The current cold snap has lasted almost continually since 9 December during which approximately 40% of the council road network amounting to almost 500 kilometres of roads have been kept clear of ice and snow. The work has been carried out using the council’s gritting fleet with over 50 members of staff involved in the operation according to the Council’s Winter Maintenance Policy approved in March last year. During this period over 3,000 tonnes of rocksalt has been put onto our roads.
The Policy prioritises roads as follows:
- Priority 1 roads are routes carrying substantial volumes of traffic having characteristics which require protection from frost throughout the night. These routes include both Class A and B roads.
- Priority 2 roads are non principal roads that form main distributor routes in urban areas, access routes to smaller rural communities and schools, industrial estate roads and remaining bus routes. Height above sea level and gradients are factors in distinguishing these roads from priority 3 roads.
- Priority 3 roads are all the remaining and treatment will normally be restricted to snow clearance or salting in times of snow or persistent heavy frost. Snow clearance may be carried out by either Wrexham County Borough Council or by contractors retained on term contracts.
In snow conditions Priority 1 roads will be cleared first followed by Priority 2 and 3.
Salt Stock Levels
At present Salt supplies are being monitored throughout the UK and the supply and stocks of salt to local authorities is being reported daily at a national level. Wrexham had 100 tonnes delivered yesterday and 50 tonnes today. We currently have a stock of 1480 tonnes (season opening stock 4,000 tonnes), priority routes cover 40% of the road network (500 km) and require 100-120 tonnes per double evening turn out. Snow conditions require up to 350 tonnes per day.
Salt Bin Refills
Salt bins throughout the county borough require 280 tonnes of salt to fill which would clearly impact on the amount available for use of priority one routes. Isobel Garner, Chief Executive, today used her delegated powers to take emergency action following a meeting of the Emergency Management Response Team and in consultation with members, authorised 50 tonnes of salt to be issued to high lying areas of the county borough. If we were to keep refilling them this would have a detrimental effect on the amount of salt available for essential gritting of priority one routes.
Service Information
Car Parks/Buses
As of 14.45 this afternoon (5 Jan) all buses were running. An X50 service to Denbigh will operate at 15.30 from Yale and the Bus Station with no further X50 services guaranteed today. ARRIVA are not operating on the following sections:- Route 12 and 13, the buses will be terminating at Brymbo Tai Public House which will mean buses will not serve top Brymbo – High Street – Offa Street, route 10 and 11, buses will not serve Heol Offa Estate. Route 26 Mold problems in LeeswoodResidents advised to call the busline on 266122 before 17.00 pm or Traveline on 0871 200 2233 after 17.00 pm
Schools
5 reported closed this morning are:
Ysgol Clynddelw, Llanarmon DC, Froncysyllte CP, Garth CP, St Mary’s, Brymbo.
Welfare Issues
Social care have access to several 4×4 vehicles which will be used for carers who are having difficulty reaching clients.
Staff
Front line staff within the Environment Department have worked throughout the cold weather in very challenging conditions, including throughout Christmas and new year and Executive Board today paid tribute and commended their hard work.
During the cold spell residents are advised to heed all traffic and weather warnings and prepare adequately for any journey they have to make. They are also encouraged to offer help or assistance to any vulnerable or elderly residents they are aware of who may be unable to get out and about during this time.
