Cold week ahead with widespread frost…
Telford’s salt stores are topped up and almost 700 grit bins are full as the borough braces itself for weather warning and cold arctic air.
The gritters are being regularly mobilised and as road temperatures drop, they will continue to go out whenever frost or ice is forecast.
While last winter was milder than most, they still went out around 50 times, using a whopping 2,233 tonnes of salt and covering the borough’s 400km of roads, that’s about 45 times the height of Mount Everest. The council’s volunteer snow wardens are also helping out in communities.
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood, Commercial Services and Regeneration (Labour), said: “Temperatures have dropped suddenly this week so make sure you are ready as they will remain well below averages into next week.
“Our roads are in top condition but we are always asking for people to report any potholes if they come across them. We are proud to be ranked one of the top in the country by the National Highways and Transport survey for overall satisfaction with highway and transport services and first for street lighting.
“We’re also rallying our snow wardens so that they are ready to lend a hand if needed. The work they do is invaluable and very much appreciated, particularly by our older and more vulnerable residents.
“If anyone would like to find out about becoming a snow warden in their area, then please do get in touch.”
The council’s winter duty officer carefully follows MetDesk weather forecasts and anticipated road surface temperatures at lunch times and again in the evening daily.
These forecasts, along with information from Crudgington and Horsehay weather stations, inform decisions on if gritting is needed.
Ongoing road inspections are also carried out throughout the night to assess road conditions and the need for further action.
For details of where and when the Council grits, location of grit bins, school closures in the event of snow, advice on winter road safety and how to become a Snow Warden visit www.telford.gov.uk/winter
If you need to report a pot hole then please visit the website www.telford.gov.uk/pothole
