Schools and hospitals to be given priority in winter

Aug 28 2010 by David Black, The Journal

A CALL has been made for schools, hospitals and emergency services in Northumberland to be given a higher priority when snow-blocked roads are cleared during severe winter weather.

Roads outside schools, ambulance stations, fire stations and hospitals should be at the top of the list when deciding which routes to clear first during heavy snowfall and freezing conditions, it is claimed.

County Hall bosses should also consider doing more to treat dangerous pavements and footpaths – and have been asked to re-examine whether two workers are still needed to crew snow ploughs.

The package of recommendations has come from a working group set up by the county council in the wake of last winter’s severe weather, which prompted many complaints about impassable rural roads and icy pavements in town centres.

Concerns were voiced about communities being cut off because of shortfalls in gritting and snow clearing regimes, dangers faced by elderly people because of a lack of action on footpaths and members of the public taking salt intended for roads and pavements.

The working group’s report says existing priority routes for snow clearing should be re-examined to include school locations. It says clearing snow and ice near schools is “desirable”, and priority should also be given to entrances to ambulance and fire stations and hospitals. However, schools would remain responsible for clearing their own access roads, car parks and grounds.

The council doesn’t carry out precautionary gritting of pavements or cycleways but provides “reactive” treatment on snow and ice.

The group has also queried whether two workers are still required to operate snow ploughs during winter clearance work. This is to comply with the council’s lone worker and health and safety policies.

However, group members said the practice should be reviewed, as vehicle tracking devices were now commonly in use. Recommendations also include a review of the locations of strategic salt stores and salt bins.

Yesterday Conservative group leader, Peter Jackson, said cost savings made by ending double-manning of snow ploughs could be invested in paying local contractors to clear more roads. He hopes action will be taken to help schools re-open quickly, ensure that elderly people are able to go out safely.

“The council eventually did quite a good job in coping with last winter’s severe weather, but it took two weeks to get things coordinated properly,” said Coun Jackson. “This is all about preparation in case of another winter emergency.” The working group’s recommendations will be considered by the council’s executive next month.