Torfaen residents are being urged to stay off frozen ponds and lakes after children have been seen playing on the Blaen Bran Resovoir in Upper Cwmbran. Residents are reminded that frozen ponds and lakes are exceptionally dangerous and should never be played on. This danger is increasing, especially with milder temperatures.
On Torfaen roads, drivers are reminded to reduce speed and continue to drive with care. Icy conditions are expected to remain and just because a road is black, it doesn’t mean it is safe. Side roads, particularly in the north of the borough, could remain difficult if not impassable until a thaw.
Following the council receiving reports of drivers turning up in large vehicles or vans and emptying grit bins within minutes of them being filled, the council is no longer replenishing grit bins as this abuse does not allow the council to control where the essential grit resources are being used. The council will now determine where the limited grit resources will be used. Priorities will remain main routes, side roads with gradients, shopping areas, doctors surgeries, lanes to outlying communities and dealing with medical emergencies.
The gritting and ploughing crews have been working over weekend and will be salting strategic routes tonight. Roads will be inspected early tomorrow to determine gritting levels and priority routes.
The council is now clearing recycling bring banks and will continue next week to help relieve pressure following cancelled waste collections. The council wishes to thanks residents for their continued patience.
The weather forecast indicates snow flurries are expected to continue throughout today until midnight with possible accumulations of 1-3 cms with a low risk of 5-8 cms on higher ground. Flurries will continue through Monday and further snow is expected on Tuesday.
Schools
Schools confirmed open on Monday 11th January are:
- Croesyceiliog Comprehensive school will be open for all staff, year 11 pupils and sixth formers who have their Maths A level exam
- Llantarnam Comprehensive School is open to Year 11 and sixth form pupils only. Intends opening to all on Tuesday the 12th
- George Street Primary school open. Site to be re-assessed at 7.30am if weather deteriorates over night
- The Pupil Referral Unit at Ty Glyn is open to pupils from midday
- Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran is planning to open. The Head will review at 7.30am (full details on school website)
