John Wayne famously showed True Grit. And Brigg businessman Coun Nigel Sherwood will have to do the same this winter during spells of bad weather.
In his role as Cabinet Members for Highways and Neighbourhoods at North Lincolnshire Council, Coun Nigel will be overseeing gritting operations when the going gets tough and the snow comes to rest deep and crisp and even.
North Lincolnshire Council says it is as ready as it can be for the winter, having stocked up on 6,000 tonnes of salt and bought three new gritters. And for the first time, it will use knapsack sprayers to treat difficult to reach areas.
From the end of October, the gritting season starts and officers will be on standby ready to work 24/7 when needed right through until the end of March 2013.
In the past month or so, officers have been out testing the routes. All drivers are trained to accredited national standards and have undergone route familiarisation sessions.
The council has been working with town and parish councils and through the network of snow wardens, has replenished their local supply of salt and in some locations, provided extra salt bins.
During extreme bad weather, the council recruits local farmers and contractors who have tractors with snow ploughs and other vehicles to help clear the snow. The council has a register of all those who can be called on at short notice to assist.
The successful quad bike and de-icing spray unit that the council operated last year in the pedestrianised areas will be used again. New this year is knapsack sprayers that will be used to treat difficult to reach areas such as footbridges.
Coun Nigel says: "The winter service team is fully prepared for the return of the winter weather. We have been putting everything in place during the summer, so that we are as ready as we can be for the winter. One thing we cannot do is predict the weather, but at least we are ready.
“We have fully restocked our salt stores and have bought three new gritters to replace the three oldest. So we have the latest technology and equipment to respond.
“Officers will work 24/7 to ensure the main roads are kept clear.
“I want to thank all those who have come forward and offered to help the council during these difficult conditions. Their help and support is much appreciated.”
Diverting from the gritters and rooad salt, Scribs....during the severe winter conditions, NLC establised a help desk for the emergency services and other groups to liaise/respond to the needs of vulnerable people - ie the elderly and infirm.
ReplyDeleteFor example, in Brigg a number of pensioners had been trapped in the bungalows for a number of days...and one couple was surviving on cold sandwiches because their cooker had broken and the delivery van could not get through the snow.
Once informed, the help desk was able to despatch a PCSO from Brigg's police station to check on their welfare.
My question is ...is NLC proactive. or reactive? In other words, has NLC arranged to establish an emergency Help Desk for this winter....or will the authority only react once the weather conditions worsen?