The area escaped the worst of the weather on Thursday night meaning that all services were running as normal on Friday. The forecast for Friday/ Saturday and the weekend is for continued low temperatures and possible heavy snow.
There is the risk of some persistent spells of snow during Saturday afternoon and evening, becoming drier overnight although still with the risk of a few snow showers. On Sunday, some dry and bright weather is forecast with a risk of persistent snow showers overnight.
Across the weekend, overnight temperatures will fall well below freezing, with road surfaces expected to drop down to -6c.
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.
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.
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
The latest schools information can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/severeweather
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 council_connect@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.
