With the snow now finally – apparently – at an end, Liberal Democrats have launched an “on line” survey aimed at finding out how local public services coped this winter.
Residents are being asked to give their verdict on a number of issues including salt bins, school closure information, gritting schedules, bus services and the effectiveness of the “snow warden” volunteer programme.
The survey can be completed “on line” by clicking here
Cllr Sheena Jackson joined York’s volunteer snow warden network
City of York Council volunteer snow wardens were quick to respond to the snow and icy conditions across the city, rural areas and villages.
Volunteers have been clearing vital footpaths and roads, making sure residents can access local shops and facilities.
Phil McBride, snow warden from Woodthorpe, said: “I’ve been a snow warden for five years and regularly watch weather reports to know where and when to clear. Today, I’ve been clearing the paths around Woodthorpe focusing on those residents who can’t get around so easily. “
It’s important to report empty salt bins although we hope that they won’t be needed again this year
The council’s volunteer snow warden initiative has grown from strength to strength, with 211 volunteers ready to respond to wintry weather. These hardy volunteers are residents who give up their time to clear snow during bad weather. They help out with clearing snow and sprinkling grit on pavements, with Bishophill and Dunnington volunteers coordinating their efforts and operating as a group.
The council provides snow wardens with training and safety advice, together with boxes of salt to use on public footpaths and streets. They are also issued with a snow shovel and a fluorescent ‘snow warden’ jacket.
Cllr Waller, acting leader for City of York Council (and volunteer snow warden) said: “Our snow wardens are a great example of the community coming together to help each other. They go out in cold and icy conditions to clear paths and help some of our most vulnerable get out and about. We’re really grateful for the work they do.
“If anyone would like to be snow warden, please contact 01904 551550 or visit www.york.gov.uk/info/20073/volunteering/894/volunteer_snow_wardens. In the meantime, during weather like this, please carry on looking out for each other.”
Other schools are expected to be open
Several schools in York will be closed today following overnight snow. Those affected include:
Also North Yorkshire Schools – Easingwold School and Tadcaster Grammar School
An up to date list can be found by clicking this link
With cold weather forecast over the coming days City of York Council is reminding residents to stay well this winter and to look out for vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
Winter is here. The cold weather can have a significant impact on people’s health and with the cold and icy conditions vulnerable people can tend to stay at home.
Top tips for supporting older vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives, include:
Its also a good idea to know which local streets are routinely de-iced by the “gritting” lorry.
Easiest way to find out where your local services are is by accessing the above map which can be found at:
http://localview.york.gov.uk/Sites/TranStreetCare/
Click i to see where your nearest salt bin is
Then click the fourth symbol along.
This will allow you to tick a box next to “primary” and” secondary” gritting routes. The primary gritting routes include most bus routes and are salted as a precaution when weather forecasts predict icy conditions.
You can find out whether the gritters are working by “following” them on twitter @yorkgritter
City of York Council’s winter maintenance team is inviting residents to find out more about how the council tackles winter weather during a special open event at the council’s depot on James Street.
On Saturday 31 October between 10am to 12pm, visitors will get the chance to have a close-up look of the fleet of gritters, snow ploughs and salt spreaders, as well as see the salt barn which is home to over 3,000 tonnes of salt
The open day will provide residents with the opportunity to prepare for the winter months ahead, where frontline teams will be on-hand to offer winter advice.
It also falls on the first ‘dry run’ weekend of the year, where crews will be carrying out gritting test runs in York ahead of the start of the winter season.
The last Labour led Council chose to scrap many of these self help bins while others have been left out all year round.
Cllr Sue Hunter on a steep footpath on Front Street where acces to a salt bin is essential for safety
Many have been damaged while others are still full of rubbish.
The Liberal Democrats pledged at the recent election to improve the network of bins so an early announcement of changes was expected.
Throughout the gritting season, between November and March, crews are on-hand to work 24/7 to help keep York’s roads open. Last year, crews used 3,927 tonnes of salt over 72 separate ‘grit runs’ , travelling 43,054 km to treat 71,460km of highway.
Cllr Ian Gillies, Executive Member for Transport and Planning, said: “Our open day will enable residents to hear from the frontline team direct about how the council tackles winter weather to help to keep our roads open 24/7 over the gritting season. We encourage everyone to join us during the open event to help them prepare for the winter months ahead.”
. For more information about the winter services in York visit www.york.gov.uk/gritting .Or, follow @YorkGritter on Twitter for regular updates.
Several roads – including the 26 bus route and the Green Lane access to Hob Moor school – were taken off the de-icing schedule.
Other public services are also suffering from neglect with large volumes of fallen leaves still on roads and footpaths, and the arrival of ice could make conditions lethal for elderly pedestrians and cyclists.
Many salt bins also still require maintenance.
Accident levels will also be under close scrutiny.
The Council has now said that it will cut the costs of running its “Cabinet” and put the savings into “winter maintenance”.
But this (welcome) initiative looks to be a case of “too little, too late”.
