Weather Forecast
It remain dry through the night (Sunday night), with temperatures falling to well below freezing causing ice, especially on untreated roads. However there is a band of snow moving across towards the Bath and North East Somerset area. It is expected that up to 8cm of snow will arrive at about 7.30 am today. The snow is expected to be widespread. There also is a risk of further snow showers during the day.
Road temperatures will continue to be below zero and this will make untreated roads particularly icy and difficult.
Highways and Car Parks
Highways Inspectors have been out monitoring the road network from 4am The gritting crews gritted all the 260 miles of main roads during the night and are currently out gritting the network in preparation for the snow due to arrive shortly. Even with the snow currently forecast, it is anticipated that all the main roads will be passable with care.
However conditions on side roads, minor roads and untreated surfaces are particularly icy and difficult, especially if new snow falls on untreated ice. We would urge all pedestrians and drivers to exercise due care in these conditions. Drivers should allow themselves more time to get to their destination and leave earlier. They should also watch out for ice, keep to the main roads and avoid side roads if at all possible.
All the car parks and park and ride sites have been gritted today and are anticipated to remain open. The Council's Neighbourhood team are ready to deal with any snow. Car parks and key footways in Keynsham and Midsomer Norton will also be attended to.
It is hoped that the Park and Ride buses will be operating today. However the final decision will be taken by the bus operators First Bus. 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.
Waste Collection
Depending on the extent of the snow and the icy conditions there could be some disruption to waste collections today (Monday).
The Council's advice is that the public should put their waste out as planned. If it is not collected, the Council would prefer residents to take their waste back onto their property until the next scheduled collection day. If this is not possible because conditions underfoot are treacherous or footpaths on the property are unsafe, then the items may be left out so long as it does not cause an obstruction on the footway.
In common with all local authorities nationwide, public safety is of paramount importance when decisions are made on collecting waste during the adverse weather. When conditions are icy it is unsafe for both pedestrians and other vehicles to have waste vehicles weighing up to 20 tonnes negotiating narrow residential streets and collecting waste.
In some cases, residents may have their recycling collected, as recycling vehicles are much smaller and more manoeuvrable.
Heritage Services
All the Council's Heritage buildings are anticipated to be open as normal today (Monday). 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 and snowy 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
