Hints, tips & information this winter
Winter brings with it colder weather – and sometimes that means snow and ice.
So please take care when you’re out and about at this time of year – whether that’s your commute to work or an afternoon in the park.
Handy tips to help you stay safe and warm this winter
In the same way that lots of organisations work together to keep the town clean, there are lots of people involved in keeping the town as accessible and safe as possible when the winter weather sets in.
Who does what?
Wiltshire Council is responsible for the highway winter service in Wiltshire.
This means they grit and maintain most of the road network in and around Bradford on Avon. The major exception is the A36, which is looked after by Highways England.
Wiltshire Council also manages most of the pay and display car parks in the town.
You can find out more about Wiltshire Council’s work over the winter months on their website.
Please note – the town council will signpost disruptions to the highways, rail and bus network when official sources make this information available to us.
Bradford on Avon Town Council
We’re responsible for keeping most of the town clean and tidy – including clearing fallen leaves from paths. Our Town Wardens do this.
We also look after most of Bradford on Avon’s parks & green spaces. In winter, one of our priorities is to make the key routes in and around these spaces as safe as possible as quickly as possible.
Our Town Wardens will also try to clear a snow from footpaths and pavements.
We’ll always aim to do this as quickly as possible, so please bear with us.
The Canal & River Trust manages and looks after the canal. This includes the tow path, the wharf and the wharf car park.
The Environment Agency is responsible for the water quality in the river.
Grit bins
Grit boxes are for residents to use on the road and pavements – not for their own personal use on their driveways.
When using salt bins you should work on the basis that 1 tablespoon of salt will cover around 1m² and leave time for it to work rather than just expecting it to instantly melt the ice.
Any empty grit bins should be reported via the MyWilts app.
General hints & tips
- don’t assume roads, footpaths and public spaces have been gritted
- allow yourself more time for your journeys
- check the weather before leaving the house metoffice.gov.uk
- plan your journey ahead of time if the weather is going to be challenging
- dress for the weather – warm and waterproof. Take extra layers with you in the car or in a bag just in case
- if you’re walking or cycling, then wear sensible and suitable footwear. If you’re driving, have a sensible pair of shoes or boots spare
- check bus and train timetables for cancellations and delays.
You can find helpful tips here about driving in severe weather conditions online.
Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register is a free support service to give people in vulnerable situations extra help.
Energy suppliers will keep a Priority Services Register and if you think you should be added to their list – you will need to contact your supplier or network operator.
If you have separate gas and electricity suppliers – you will need to contact both.
The service can offer support in an emergency if you need your gas supply reconnected, advanced warning of planned power cuts and more.
More information on the Priority Services Register can be found on the Ofgem website.
Clearing Snow – how you can get involved
Clearing snow and ice from the pavement outside your home or in public spaces can help prevent slips and falls.
Check out the Snow Code and the government’s website for a list of tips and advice on how to clear snow in your neighbourhood and look after others in your community.
- always use road salt or sand – never use water to melt snow
- try not to get salt on plants or grass, as it may damage vegetation
- pay extra attention to clearing snow and ice from steps and steep pathways – you might need to use more salt on these areas.
Travel
Periods of excessive heavy snow will likely impact public transport (trains and buses etc).
Disruption to local rail journeys will be announced by Great Western Railway on their website.
Heavy snow or ice will also likely affect buses services to and from Bradford on Avon, information on these disruptions will be available from:
- Frome Buses (X69, 98 and 96)
- First Bus Bristol, Bath and West (D1).
School closures
In the event of school closures due to extreme weather, it is likely that schools will contact those parents affected. If you are concerned you have missed any information, please check your with your child’s school.
Primary
Christ Church CE (VC) Primary School
Westwood with Iford Primary School