Archive Council News

23.11.05

Wrexham Council Borough Council Prepares for the Cold Snap

As the weather forecasters predict an imminent heavy snowfall and a long hard winter Wrexham County Borough Council is preparing itself for what maybe ahead.

The Council's objective is to ensure vital road networks are gritted as a matter of priority before the formation of ice.  A dedicated workforce comprising of 34 qualified drivers operate a fleet of 15 gritting vehicles and 2 de-mountable gritters, which are based centrally in our Wrexham Depot.

Front line services are given regular updates on weather conditions and specially organised teams are on hand to react to any emergencies particularly in relation to the welfare of vulnerable people.

Steve Jones, Highways Manager for Wrexham Council said:

"We have an initial stock of 3,500 tonnes of salt, which is replenished as it is used.

The Council allocates a budget to Highways Maintenance of approx £550k for winter maintenance operations.

Approx 35% of all highways in the Wrexham area receive precautionary treatment. This includes all A and B routes and main bus routes within the County. During snow conditions, these routes also receives priority, but resources are available to treat other routes (steep inclines etc).

The County fleet is supplemented in snow conditions by hiring local Contractors and Farmers with snow ploughs supplied and fitted by the Council."

The public should check out the Council’s website at www.wrexham.gov.uk for up to date information during severe weather, as well as finding out more about gritting the County Borough's roads.

*Whilst gritter operators face difficult weather conditions when undertaking their work this is sometimes made worse by acts of vandalism. During the cold snap last week some of our driver's vehicles were pelted with stones by youths outside Garden Village shops on Monday and Tuesday last week. Police were called and spoke to the people involved.

Steve Jones said:

"Previously when this has happened the area has been removed from the gritting route. However, this part of town is a strategic route into Wrexham and if it were not gritted would cause considerable problems that could potentially put the travelling public at danger. We would appeal to parents to tell their children about the dangers that such behaviour causes not only to our drivers but also to the wider public. If we had to stop gritting in priority areas because of the actions of a small minority then the town centre would face greater disruptions than is necessary."

Link to Severe Weather for further information