'We are ready for winter'

 

The County Council’s cabinet approved increased measures this week to prepare for the worst should last year’s horrendous winter be repeated.

 

Powys shivered under temperatures of -20 and snow was on the ground for over three months from the second week of November, resulting in 22,000 tonnes of salt scattered across local roads in a bid to stay connected.

 

And while more money is being invested as well as a more intensive weather warning system, the council admits that its priority will remain with about 15% of the county’s main roads.

 

Cabinet member for Environment and Regulation, Councillor Geraint Hopkins, said: “We are hoping for a milder time this season but have staff and equipment ready to pre-treat and clear roads if and when the wintery weather arrives. The council is investing even more in salt stock raising reserves for the start of the season.

“But, even with increased stock we cannot cover every road in the county, that is impossible, but our winter plan concentrates on trunk roads and the major county routes – approximately 15 per cent of the entire county network.

“Action is controlled by a dedicated team with decisions based on information from 2-5 day, and 24-hour detail weather forecasts, satellite imagery of current weather over Powys, and real-time conditions data from more than a dozen roadside ice sensors.”

Councillor Hopkins said the council would be re-stocking their roadside and community salt stores for self-service during the winter. He urged residents to be responsible when using salt supplies and contact the county council if they were concerned that some were abusing supplies.

Meanwhile, new information released by the Government as part of a new Snow Code is advising the public and businesses that there is no law to prevent them clearing snow and ice from pavements and that they should not be put off. More information on the Snow Code is available on the Government’s website www.direct.gov.uk