Grit at 'desperate' levels as Notts battles bad weather
GRIT levels were running seriously low in Notts this weekend – with the county in a "desperate" situation.
Gritters were expected to run out by Sunday due to low national reserves.
Notts County Council only received a 60-tonne delivery on Friday and officers did not know when they would next receive more salt.
Previously, A and B roads have been gritted as well as bus routes and some more minor roads. But rationing means only A and B roads were being gritted over the weekend.
Salt stocks are now controlled by a Government advisory body, and areas worst hit will be prioritised.
Coun Richard Jackson, cabinet member for transport and highways, said: "Earlier this week we had secured a delivery of an extra 5,000 tonnes of salt for Notts's roads. Since then, the coordination of salt deliveries has been centralised by the Government, effectively taking control of salt deliveries out of our hands.
"Unfortunately, the salt situation is now desperate in Notts and without further deliveries, we will run out by Sunday."
In Nottingham, the city council expects its supply to last until the middle or end of next week
The shortage comes as forecasters predict more snow for Notts. The Met Office said temperatures today would reach as low as minus 3. More snow is expected tomorrow with temperatures down to minus 1. No snow is forecast yet for Monday and Tuesday.
This week's whiteout brought out the community spirit in volunteers and workers across Notts.
Scout leaders in the Nottinghamshire Emergency Scout Support Team delivered hot meals to elderly people trapped in their homes.
They also transported nurses to appointments, helped a mini-bus of elderly people out of a ditch, took sleeping bags to trapped school pupils and drivers and helped deliver food parcels.
Tracy Pearson, day centre co-ordinator, at the Carlton Hill branch of Age Concern, said staff phoned trapped members to help stop them feeling isolated.
A farmers' market in West Bridgford today has also been cancelled.
Since the cold snap officially began on December 10, temperatures in Notts have reached as low as minus 5.7°C – recorded on the night of December 19/20.
8 Comments
by Plonk, Heanor at work
Monday, January 11 2010, 3:01AM
“The thick troll unsensible starts lying, where have we seen this before?????????”
by Mr. Sensible, The Real World
Sunday, January 10 2010, 8:40AM
“"I think senseless must be a double agent. His crass attempts at politiking on behalf of Labour are so laughable they can only drive people into the arms of the other parties."
John, some of the actions of the Tories drive people the other way.
And Luke, the County were clearly not coping.”
by John, Carlton
Saturday, January 09 2010, 10:41PM
“I think senseless must be a double agent. His crass attempts at politiking on behalf of Labour are so laughable they can only drive people into the arms of the other parties.”
by Luke, Bingham
Saturday, January 09 2010, 5:17PM
“Mr Sensible,
Which bit of
"Earlier this week we had secured a delivery of an extra 5,000 tonnes of salt for Notts's roads. Since then, the coordination of salt deliveries has been centralised by the Government, effectively taking control of salt deliveries out of our hands"
are you ignoring ?
The council had secured more salt & the government have decided that it is more useful elsewhere, so have diverted the orders.
It's really not that complicated & this is one of those areas where politics doesn't come into it. A pathetic attempt at points scoring again from you (which of course, is your usual standard).”
by Mr. Sensible, The Real World
Saturday, January 09 2010, 2:42PM
“Strange that; the City has more stock left than the County.
What bad management by the County Council!
And there's Richard Jackson passing the buck!”
by Mr. Sensible, The Real World
Saturday, January 09 2010, 2:18PM
“True Grit, if (big if) that happens it won't be till next year, but I see what you're saying.”
by True Grit, Notts.
Saturday, January 09 2010, 12:11PM
“Although we are assured the 6mm salt is cheaper and more effective I wonder if this has contributed to the problems. I buy bagged rock salt to treat our forecourt and paths. We had some left from last year which worked OK but when I bought more before xmas it was smaller grade. I know I am not an expert and my use is mainly for foot traffic but the new salt does not provide the same "grip" and needs treating more often as the fine salt disappears much quicker and I would say I am using at least twice as much as the old salt for similar effect.”
by MadBadger, The Sett
Saturday, January 09 2010, 1:31AM
“Never mind all that, my champers is at desperate levels.
And this story's been on over an hour and Javed of Beeston still hasn't mentioned Richard Jackson and 'used car salesman'. in the same sentence. What's going on with this place?
BUTLER!!!”