Agenda item

The Board received a report which reviewed the delivery of the Winter Maintenance Service so far during the 2009-2010 season and in particular, the response to the prolonged severe weather event in early January.

The Board was advised that last winter (2008-2009) was described as the coldest winter for over a decade with the heaviest snowfall for 18 years. In January this year, the Met Office was describing the UK as having the severest weather for decades and the most prolonged spell of freezing conditions across the UK since December 1981. Although these harsh winters had occurred back to back, the Met Office affirmed that these events were part of the normal regional variations that take place and that the natural variation of climate meant that the UK would continue to see these spells of colder weather at times.

These conditions had presented significant challenges to the Council in keeping the highway and transportation networks open and safe, and in minimising disruption to business and local services.

It was noted that in June 2009, the Board accepted a report on Halton’s 2009/10 Winter Maintenance activities. The report set out the requirement and operational procedures contained in the Winter Maintenance Plan, a summary of operations undertaken that season, and details of national salt stock shortages. It also referred to additional funding that had been made available by Halton and St. Helens PCT and how it was intended that this allocation would be spent. The Board also resolved to increase gritting of footpaths around schools.

The Board was advised of recent changes to the plan and operations that had been implemented for the current year and these were set out in the report including the following:

• revisions to National Code of Practice for Highway Maintenance – Winter Service;
• Halton’s Winter Maintenance Plan;
• winter service operations – December to January;
• salt supply issues;
• impact on Gritting Operations;
• winter maintenance budget;
• Halton and St. Helens PCT contribution to gritting;
• git storage bins;
• implications for highway maintenance and repairs;
• future winter service arrangements; and
• business continuity – other Council services.

It was noted that the following public question was submitted to the Board:

“Why is Southward Avenue omitted from your gritting programme, it is the only road in and out of the estate, the heavy snowfall in January meant that people did not have access to employment and other services, all that was need that your gritting vehicles crossing over the busway to do the necessary work, there is too much emphasis on Castlefields, they have gritting bins, we need them insitu for next winter, you are making Windmill Hill into a ghetto, and ratepayers are being ignored. Absolute disgrace”.

            In response it was noted that the questioner had requested a written response and it was agreed that this be sent as soon as possible.

It was noted that an invitation had been extended to members of the Safer Halton Policy and Performance Board (SHPPB) for them to attend the meeting.  The Chairman of the Board invited the Members present to address the Board. In doing so the following was noted:

·        concerns had been raised regarding the safety of pedestrians on footpaths; and

·        SHPPB Members asked that they be invited to the June meeting of the Board when the provision of grit bins would be looked at in detail.

Arising from Members comments and questions the following was noted:

• the difference in the cost of grit across different local authorities and the different grades and treatments that were available be explained to the Board;
• that some of the local registered social landlords had indicated that they would be willing to fill grit bins if the Council provided them. It was noted that strong partnerships had been formed with many local agencies over the severe weather conditions and that this would be looked into at the next briefing session;
• that secondary schools had been prioritised over primary schools due to the proximity of examinations for students;
• that due to the paving area around Somerfield/Co-op in Runcorn Town Centre being privately owned there had been issue with the area being gritted and it was agreed that a letter be sent to the owner.

RESOLVED: That

(1)       the report be noted;

(2)       a report, which reviews the benefits, logistics and cost implications in relation to the deployment of grit bins be brought to the next meeting of the Board.

(3)       a written response be provided to the questioner; and

(4)       a letter be sent to Somerfield/Co-op re: Gritting of pavement areas around the shop in Runcorn Old Town