Economy shivers as the cold returns
Dec 18 2010 by Dan Warburton, The Journal
A COLD blast is set to sweep across the North East piling more hardship on the already struggling economy.
Plunging temperatures yesterday brought an end to the milder weather of earlier this week. The sub-zero chill is expected to last until next week.
Insurers last night warned the return of the harsh conditions could cost the region’s economy up to £283.5m as businesses and retailers bear the brunt of shoppers staying at home to avoid the blizzards.
Forecasters warned temperatures could tonight drop to as low as -8C again as an arctic blast from northern Greenland sweeps over the North East.
The Met Office said it was expecting the freezing front to dump further snow showers across coastal areas from tomorrow and into Monday, with up to 2ins expected in some spots.
The return of the snow comes as homeowners and councils struggle to catch up with the legacy of the long cold spell that began in November. A “plague” of potholes has appeared, with fears further harsh conditions will only worsen the problem and delay repairs.
Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell issued a warning after transport chiefs released figures showing a 35% cut in the funding for road maintenance and local transport schemes across Tyneside next year.
On average the cuts across England will be 22%.
She said: “I am very concerned that road users in Newcastle are going to see a noticeable drop in basic maintenance standards.
“More potholes, less gritting in bad weather, fewer road safety measures, all road users, whether in cars or buses, on foot or bike are going to suffer as a result of these cuts.
“And there is no light at the end of the tunnel. The Government is planning to keep road maintenance funding at this reduced level until at least 2015, allowing a huge backlog of repairs to build up.
