Bracknell

Bracknell Forest residents are urged to help themselves and their neighbours during this extended period of severe weather.

The current severe Bracknell weather conditions are set to continue throughout the coming week with many roads and footpaths remaining icy and treacherous.

Bracknell Businesses and residents are urged to ‘shovel, sweep and salt’ outside their homes (driveways and footpaths) in the battle to keep the area moving in the worst freeze England has experienced for nearly 30 years.

Salt bins exist in many areas across the Bracknell borough and a map on the council’s website shows the locations. Bracknell Residents are advised not to use boiling water on snow and ice but to first shovel and then sweep paths. Once the snow is cleared cover the cleared area lightly with either road salt, sharp sand or table salt which will work in breaking up the ice. Please do not use the salt in the grit bins for clearing private property. The salt is provided to help people clear the area near the bins and other high risk point such as a slope or a junction.

Cllr Paul Bettison, leader of Bracknell Forest Council, has called for everyone who can to help to ‘do their bit’ in assisting their communities with clearing paths and checking on neighbours.

He said: “We’re doing what we can to maintain essential services and protect and care for our residents but everyone can help in the effort to keep the borough moving. We’re asking people to ‘shovel, sweep and salt’ if they are able and to check on your neighbours to make sure they have essential supplies and just to give them a bit of company as they might not be able to get out during these conditions.”

Bracknell Forest Council continues to grit all primary routes and has diverted SITA refuse crews, landscape and street cleansing teams from their usual jobs to assist with clearing priority footpaths in the town centre and the neighbourhood shopping centres.

The rangers have been redeployed to help deliver meals on wheels with their 4x4s, ensuring the borough’s most vulnerable in the community are cared for.

Bracknell Residents, particularly elderly and vulnerable people, are strongly advised to stay at home, putting off any unnecessary journeys during these current weather conditions. Neighbours are asked to check on any elderly neighbours to ensure they have adequate heating and food supplies.

If you have any concerns for the safety and welfare of an elderly neighbour you are asked to contact the council's adult social care department on 01344 351500.

Cllr Bettison said: “Council staff and our contractors are working flat out around the clock to keep roads open but as we are experiencing the worst cold snap we’ve had for decades. It would be great if people could do their bit to help clear the snow and ice outside their own homes.

“We have strong communities in Bracknell Forest and over the past few days I have heard many great stories of people showing amazing community spirit in an effort to help those stranded or in need of assistance.”

For the latest information on highways maintenance and school closures call customer services on 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Council