Cold weather service update – 19th December (7am)
Weather Forecast
Last night (Saturday night) was dry with clear skies, which resulted in sub zero temperatures throughout the area. Today (Sunday), will remain very cold although it is unlikely that snow will return.
Road temperatures are still below zero and this will make untreated roads particularly icy and difficult.
Highways and Car Parks
The gritting crews gritted all the 260 miles of main roads during the night, and there are currently no problems on the road network. All main roads are running normally.
However conditions on side roads, minor roads and untreated surfaces are particularly icy and treacherous. We would urge all pedestrians and drivers to exercise due care in these conditions. Drivers should watch out for ice, keep to the main roads and avoid side roads if at all possible.
All the the car parks and park and ride sites are being gritted this morning to ensure they remain open for Christmas shopping. Car parks and key footways in Keynsham and Midsomer Norton will also be attended to.
At this time it is anticipated that the Park and Ride buses will also be operating normally. Members of the public expecting to use this service should check on the First Bus website (see below) for further information before making their journey.
Buses
Before setting out anybody thinking of travelling by bus should look on the First Bus website for the latest information.
Salt stocks
The Council has planned well in advance for the possibility of severe weather conditions. We have a 1,400 ton salt capacity at Clutton Depot and improved storage facilities at Braysdown. Our capacity is at an all time high this winter in order to salt 260 miles of priority routes across the district. This represents 38% of the total highways network – well above the national average of 30%. For us to complete this work, salt stocks and manpower must be prioritised.
The Council maintains 388 grit bins at present. Refilling bins during periods of adverse or severe weather/ snowfall is labour intensive and the salt stored in these is often spread too heavily, used on private drives, or sometimes stolen. We will continue to meet reasonable requests to refill grit bins, although this ability depends upon the demands on resources of keeping the priority route road network gritted.
Although the Council has ordered more salt to replenish stocks following the adverse weather experienced a few weeks ago, there is very high national demand for salt because of the problems experienced in the north and the south east already this winter. Should conditions become increasingly severe with even more ice and snow then the Council will need to consider taking measures to conserve salt supplies.
The Council is unable to supply salt to individual residents and in order to ensure public safety residents should not attempt to collect salt from Clutton Depot. Electronic gates prevent public access and maintain security.
Heritage Services
All the Council’s Heritage buildings are anticipated to be open as normal today (Sunday). This includes the Fashion Museum, Roman Baths, the Pump Room and the Victoria Art Gallery.
Other Services
There could be disruption to some services over the coming days and especially those susceptible to icy conditions, like waste collections. The Council will keep people updated through its website – www.bathnes.gov.uk – about the impact on services – any updates will also be highlighted through its Twitter Feed www.twitter.com/bathnes
In respect of adult care services, clients, carers and relatives should be assured if there is severe weather and any resulting problems with home care services or services for adults with learning difficulties, personal contact will be made with anyone who is expecting a service. This contact will be made by their care provider and they would be kept updated throughout the day.
Useful vulnerable adult telephone numbers: Community and Health Access Team: 01225 396000. Emergency Duty Team: 01454 615165
For more information
1. The quickest and most direct way of bringing to our attention a problem on the roads, or any other service, is by contacting the Council via the following methods www.bathnes.gov.uk/reportit
2. The Council’s website will be updated regularly to keep residents up to date about general information: www.bathnes.gov.uk
3. All other enquiries should be made to Council Connect on 01225 394041 between 8am – 6pm weekdays (Wednesday 9.30am – 6pm);
4. Outside of these times the Council’s Out of Office Emergency number is 01225 477 477;
5.People can email on councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk or SMS text on 07797806545. These can be contacted 24 hours a day and a response will be sent next working day. These methods should not be used for emergency communication.
Service specific telephone numbers
Enquiries about Adult care transport should call 01225 394371.
For information on the wider public transport network, bus passengers can call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.