Central Bedfordshire Council News Release
10 January 2010
Gritting and salt stock update:
Sunday 10 January, 9:00am
Government still continues to nationally monitor salt supplies and manage which areas are of the highest priority to receive salt deliveries first, so we are still being forced to carry out reduced gritting runs and only able to salt A and B roads in Central Bedfordshire.
With more snow flurries expected today, Sunday 10 January, our Highways team will continue to monitor the forecast, and dispatch crews to grit all A and B roads when necessary. Spot gritting will be carried out on badly affected areas on the A and B network throughout the day.
Yesterday, Saturday 9 January, our Highways crews carried out a gritting runs on all A and B roads at around 7:00am and 4:00pm, with spot gritting carried out at during the day in badly affected areas.
We still only have approximately 360 tonnes of salt in stock, which is roughly enough for 7/8 more runs, and although we received a delivery yesterday of around 60 tonnes, we still need to conserve our salt stock and carry out a reduced gritting run, focussing on just the A and B network.
Councillor David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: " As we enter a new week it still looks likely that the cold weather is set to continue and with more snow flurries forecast today, Sunday 10 January, we still need to closely monitor salt stocks. Our Highways crews carried out two full gritting runs on all A and B roads yesterday, Saturday 9 January, and spot gritting on badly affected areas, and will be carrying out runs on A and B roads during today. Our crews are still working round the clock to help keep traffic moving on all major roads, and I would like to reassure road users that Central Bedfordshire Council is doing everything it can to help keep traffic flowing on key routes.
"With Government still monitoring all national salt supplies we are still forced to only grit the A and B roads. Throughout the last week we have also been attending badly affected areas in town centres and replenishing salt bins but people really do need to take extra care on the roads and footways over the weekend and please follow our safety advice for when driving in snow, fog and ice."
Further gritting updates will be issued throughout the weekend so visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Visit www.highways.gov.uk for further travel information on major routes and motorways
Visit the met office for the latest forecast at www.themetoffice.org.uk
ENDS
Safe driving information for motorists:
Advice around gritters
Advice states to take care around gritters
Don't be tempted to overtake
Slow down
It can take 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions, so allow extra room
Winter Gritting is a 24 hour operation.
Check your vehicles for:
·Correct tyre tread depths and pressures. Don't forget the spare!
·Lights that are working and are clean
·The correct level of antifreeze. A garage can check this for you
·Wiper blades that are in good condition
·A windscreen washer bottle that contains an additive to prevent freezing
·A battery that is in good condition. Winter driving will make extra demands on your battery
Before driving off:
·Check the weather conditions both for your outward journey and any return
·Plan your route and leave in plenty of time. Even consider whether your journey is essential
Remember:
·Speed kills. Do not travel too fast. Cut your speed in possible icy conditions.
·It is far safer to travel a little further on a salted road than to use untreated roads
·Keep your distance - it takes much longer to stop in ice and snow than normal conditions
·Try to anticipate the actions of other drivers
·Avoid harsh acceleration, steering or braking
·Keep in as high as gear as possible
·Allow more time for your journey
·Consider whether your journey is necessary
And finally...
·It is down to the road user to drive according to the prevailing conditions
Helpdesk Central Bedfordshire Council 0300 300 8049
Highways Helpdesk Bedford Borough Council 01234 228661
Emma Gorringe
Central Bedfordshire Council
Media Officer
07748 760936
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HRSA Announces New Chairman - May 2009
Tricia Humber has stood down as chair of HRSA, thanks to Tricia for all her efforts over the years to the Association. Mark Stasiuk has now taken on the role. Mark has been a member of HRSA for some years, a keen cricket coach and is also groundman around the village. HRSA need new members for the committee contact Sara Crann - Secretary for more information tel: 07794 249193
Green & Environment Sub Committee Launched -November 2008
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Parish Council Appoint New Chairman - November 2008
Cllr Clare Hepworth stepped down as Chair to the Council at the November meeting. The Council are pleased to appoint Cllr Tricia Humber as the new Chairman of Heath & Reach Parish Council. The Council thanked Clare for all her efforts and wished Tricia well in her new post
Cemetery Spruce Up - ongoing
Heath & Reach Parish Council wish to thank Michele Redwood and volunteers for their assistance in clearing ivy from the old graves. The cemetery is well on track in being cleared and grants obtained through the Breathing Spaces Fund will soon see tree work carried out, a wild life trail, information boards, bat boxes etc being installed.
Free Sports/Dance Week - Huge Success - October Half Term
Over 70 children took part in a free activity week of dance and music organised by the Parish Council at Bryants Lane Sports Ground through funding issued to the Council from the Confident Communities Fund at Bedfordshire County Council. Beds CC representative John Seamarks who attended the event on Halloween Friday when all children and coaches dressed in spooky costumes said it was one of the best events in the County seen this year from the Confident Communities Fund. Organiser Sara Crann wishes to send special thanks to: Tasha Goodwin, John Kaye, Keith Williams, Simon Roberts and James for all their efforts throughout the week.
Parish Council Fills Vacancies - Oct 2008
Heath & Reach Parish Council are pleased to welcome Neil Lewington and Diana Reed as new members to the council. Neil and Diana were co-opted by the Parish Council at its monthly October meeting. The council is once again complete and hope both new members find their new positions very rewarding.