Gritters will be out tackling wintry weather
03/02/12
Snow, sleet, rain, wind and sub-zero temperatures are forecast for this weekend.
Aberdeen City Council's winter maintenance team will be out treating the streets. The gritters will be out and the main focus will be on priority routes. Other routes will be treated if and when possible.
Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure director Gordon McIntosh said: "Over the past few years when we have experienced particularly harsh winters we have seen a good show of community spirit in some parts of the city. People rallied round to support those who were less able to get out and about. Many helped considerably just by clearing paths in front of their homes, which resulted in the pavements and roads being able to be used earlier than they would have been otherwise.
"During these periods of low temperatures and snowfall it's always important that everyone in the community keeps an eye out for the frail, elderly and vulnerable members of the community and do what they can to help, even if it's just letting us know that someone needs help.
"Of course the council can help individuals, but as much as we would like to, we can't do everything for everyone. If you have particular concerns about someone's welfare in the winter, please do what you can to help them and let the council know if more help is needed."
Mr McIntosh added: "Simple things like clearing a path or collecting shopping can make a huge difference to those members of the community who struggle to get out during the bad weather."
The council concentrates its snow clearing efforts on priority routes. This means that side roads and pavements are not cleared until the priority routes are safe. It is not practical or possible to clear all streets and pavements immediately and the priority routes must be done first.
"Anyone who wants to can clear the pavements outside their homes or shops and we will be more than happy to see that happen," said Mr McIntosh.
Aberdeen City Council would like to remind residents that the grit bins on city streets are available for all to use. Residents are reminded that the grit is there for them to use on public areas, as well as for the use of council staff.
If the grit bin needs topped up, please call Aberdeen City Council on 08456 080919 with details of the grit bin location or call 01224 241511 and leave a message, stating the location of the box. Alternatively you can use the Report It link on the city council website at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk
The council keeps members of the public up to date with salting and snow clearance operations on its website at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/gritting
The Scottish Government has created a website to help people prepare for the winter weather. Ready Scotland (www.ReadyScotland.org) contains practical advice and the simple steps people can take to protect themselves, their families, their communities and their businesses from the worst effects of all kinds of bad weather.