Article dated: 5 January 2010

County Council ready for snow

West Sussex County Council is preparing for another round of snow and ice forecast to start tomorrow (Wednesday).

Gritters will be working round the clock as part of the effort to keep major A and B road routes open as well as approaches to key locations such as hospitals.

But the County Council is also preparing to distribute salt in hippo bags to around 100 key locations for hand spreading.

These will mainly be shopping precincts, and hilly areas and the County Council is liaising with Districts, Borough and Town Councils.

Each bag holds around one and a half tonnes of salt.

The County Council is stressing that it has enough salt for its immediate road gritting needs, but much will depend on how long the severe weather lasts.

Derek Whittington, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We are doing all we possibly can, but people can also help by staying at home if their journey is not absolutely essential. I also hope that people will watch out for elderly relatives and neighbours.

“If you have to use the roads please drive with extreme care.

“We do have to concentrate our resources on keeping main roads open and safe, so would urge pedestrians to be particularly careful because we simply do not have the resources or staff to grit every pavement.”

Derek added: “I am very conscious of the widespread concerns caused by the recent conditions, and believe these actions will help the reduce the impact in the next few days.

“But, for the longer term, I will be holding a review on lessons learned once this bad weather is behind us and will bring forward any changes to policy or approaches that are required as a result.”

On possible school closures, the County Council is advising parents to check first with their school via the phone or website and listen to local radio bulletins.

Details of any school closures will be posted on the Council website www.westsussex.gov.uk or people can ring the County Council’s Contact Centre on 01243 777100 from 7.30am.

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