Lessons from the Big Chill
Posted by Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, at 13:09, Tue 19 January 2010:
The thaw this weekend brought to an abrupt end one of the longest cold spells we have had in Shropshire for 30 years.
This provided relief to many struggling with access to or from their homes, getting deliveries of food, fuel, medicine or mail, or getting to school.
It brought into sharp relief the key task of government, both national and local in keeping basic infrastructure going.
The Government published its recommendations into preparations for this winter only on 15th December - ironically only 48 hours before the first snow arrived.
In Shropshire we were better prepared than many other counties. Shropshire Council had decided after last February's snow to hold double the recommended stock of salt, with over 12 days' supply in store before winter began.
I pay tribute to the council teams and their subcontractors, including several farmers in the county, who worked flat out during those frozen days to keep roads open. The Council rightly decided to prioritise use of its salt supplies to keep A and B roads open, which it achieved.
There were many grit bins across the county, filled for local people at particular black spots for ice or steep banks, to help keep lanes or pavements passable.
But I know many lanes and pavements did not get grit or salt, which affected those who lived nearby. Shropshire Council responded to specific requests and urged local residents to get in touch to bring particular problems to their attention.
Of course the thaw which followed also led to rapidly rising rivers, raising the prospect of flooding and damage to roads. Thankfully we seem to have been spared flooding of homes. But again any particular problems with dangerous pot-holes or road erosion should be notified to Shropshire Council.
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Posted by graeme perks, 16:53, Tue 19 January 2010: (Is this post abusive?) #
If I understood the conservative MP correctly on last Sunday's Political Show, he is going to raise the fear of insurance claims against those that clear up the pavement outside their homes and workplace.