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7/1/10
No new Grit For At Least Another Week.
Despite Suffolk Highways Department's assurances to Kedington Parish Council that it would have Grit "ASAP" it seems the village will now receive no further supplies until the middle of next week.
As recently as Monday Suffolk were promising to deliver "ASAP" but on Wednesday they contacted Kedington's Parish Council to inform them that the county was running short on grit and would be keeping all it's current reserves for use on "Priority 1 routes" (A and B roads). This will leave important arteries of the village like Mill Road, West End Lane, Silver Street and Kings Hill un-gritted. Suffolk said that they were expecting further supplies of grit in the middle of next week and hopefully this will filter down to Kedington Parish supplies after that.
Suffolk County council's Website says that "Nearly three weeks of sub zero temperatures in Suffolk has put unprecedented pressure on the winter maintenance team at Suffolk County Council." and that "Supplies of salt are now being diverted to local authorities in the north of the country whose stocks are completely exhausted." It was also revealed to day that the countries biggest Salt Broker (Based in Suffolk) is nearly out of stock and suffering delays in the arrival of supplies from Egypt due to the bad weather. Suffolk is not yet completely out of salt but in their own words "need to be prudent to ensure that they are able to continue to grit the priority routes."
Their website also says they will "continue to fill grit bins in the county on request from parish councils so local people can treat local trouble spots on minor roads, which otherwise would not be treated." Small Piles of Grit have been left about the village near junctions the Kings Meadow, Dash End and Westward Deals estates.
Meanwhile the official advice from Suffolk County Council states "People need to take care on roads, pavements and in parks – even if places have been gritted, or appear clear of snow, there may still be icy patches."
Suffolk Police also have advice out for the icy weather:
- Ask yourself is your journey essential?
- Check the local and national weather forecasts.
- Listen to local and national radio for travel information.
- Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive.
- Adjust your driving to the conditions, as hail, heavy snow and rain reduce visibility.
- Use dipped headlights and reduce your speed.
- Dazzle from winter sun can be dangerous. Keep a pair of sunglasses handy and slow down.
- Make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots and a torch. In snowy conditions, take a spade.
- Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out and carry a screen scraper and de-icer.
Article by M.P.Upton - 7/1/10
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