Stratford-upon-Avon TOWN COUNCIL

1. Stratford-upon-Avon TOWN COUNCIL Winter Maintenance Plan/Service

2. Gritting & snow clearance – Evesham Road Cemetery and Holy Trinity Churchyard • The Town Council’s aim is to keep you as safe as possible when visiting the cemetery, whether you are walking or driving. During the winter period (October to March) and on any prolonged periods of severe weather, snow is cleared Monday to Friday at Evesham Road Cemetery. • Additionally, snow at Holy Trinity Churchyard will be cleared by our Open Spaces Team, Monday to Friday. The Holy Trinity team will assist in gritting the paths at the entrance to the church over the weekend. However, in the event of severe snowfall or adverse weather conditions being forecast, are requested to contact the Town Council so assistance can be provided if possible. A grit bin has been installed behind the trees adjacent to the bike rack to the left of the Church’s main door. • The Town Council is committed to delivering the highest level of service however, we have to prioritise gritting and snow clearing entry and exit routes according to their usage. 1

3. Treatment types & priorities Precautionary salting This means applying salt to a route to prevent ice forming and snow settling in the first instance thus providing an effective salting operation aimed at ensuring the safe movement of vehicles. Safety is paramount to footways at both Evesham Road Cemetery and Holy Trinity Churchyard. Snow clearance When continuous snow is forecast, we will increase the salting spread rate to help melt the initial snowfall. Please note: No other footways within the town will be treated by the Town Council. Highways are treated by Warwickshire County Council. 2

4. Salt Bins There are grit bins located across the town at locations where drivers face difficult conditions that may prove hazardous or prevent them from accessing designated routes. Typically, these locations may be on sharp bends, steep hills, junctions, etc. We have already provided salt bins at known locations however, we may not be able to meet all requests for salt bins due to financial constraints. Additionally, permission has to be acquired from the County Council before a salt bin can be installed. We use the following criteria to make this decision: • Bins will only be provided in locations with difficult conditions, e.g. steep hills, sharp bends, junctions etc. • There must be sufficient space on the footpath or verge in order that the bins does not cause obstructions to pedestrians or traffic sight lines and the bin can be replenished safely. • No bins will be provided on unadopted roads. • Should a site prove problematic because of regular misuse of salt for the treatment of private driveways, or vandalism of a bin, the council reserves the right to remove the bin. 3

5. What you can do • Many residents in Winter spread rock salt onto the walkways and driveways to melt ice and thin layers of snow. We would advise you to keep up-to-date with weather forecasts throughout the coldest months and to spread rock salt in the evening if low temperatures are forecast and again in the morning. This is especially beneficial for properties at the top for bottom of a steep path or drive and even more so if steps are involved. • Salt can soon become in short supply, especially during severe weather conditions and we would advise you to be prepared and have the necessary supplies and equipment in place for these conditions. Bagged, crushed rock salt for thawing ice and snow is ideal for gritting paths and driveways. For a relatively small cost, a bag of rock salt can offer some insurance against winter accidents. If you have a business or a large property, you may even wish to consider purchasing a grit bin to store extra amounts of salt for your own use. • You can obtain supplies of salt, salt storage facilities etc from your local DIY store or by accessing the internet. 4

6. Self help tips for clearing snow from footways Your health: • If you have any pre-existing health problems e.g. angina or back pain, or you are unsure in any way, do not carry out the work involved. Do’s and don’ts • Don’t lift too much snow or ice at one time as compacted snow or ice can be very heavy • Don’t use hot water to melt ice or snow – it may re-freeze and cause ‘black ice’ • Do place the snow on the verge or grassed areas • Don’t obstruct accesses or footpaths with the snow • Do place snow at the edges of footways next to the road. This helps form a safety barrier between cars and pedestrians. Put sand or ash down on cleared areas as it will give grip to walkers • Do use grit from grit bins or the supplied grit sparingly • Don’t use grit from grit bins on private areas • If you do need to apply grit to the road, use it sparingly at the top of any gradients and only from the footways – don’t stand in the road • You do not need a lot of grit/salt – a teaspoon of salt will defrost an area of one square metre 5

7. Do keep in regular contact with somebody and inform them where and what you are doing at all times • Do work from the footway at all times – working towards oncoming traffic wherever possible • Do remember to check if vulnerable or older people need help When working outside • Wrap up warm • Wear a reflective coat if possible • Wear stout footwear • Wear snow and ice grippers when walking - especially when pushing snow • Beware of hypothermia ad wind chill effects • Do not work in blizzard conditions 6

8. Gritting and snow clearance Pedestrians – icy pavements and roads can be very slippery; • Take extra care if you go out and wear boots or shoes with a good grip on the soles; • Always check the weather forecast, don’t get caught out by the unexpected; • Wear appropriate clothing; • Be both warm and visible; • Carry a torch if required; • Be aware of icy pavements. If you have to walk on a road, ensure you face oncoming vehicles so you can react to the traffic; • Watch out for objects buried in the snow which might trip you up or cause injury; • Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back; • If you carry a mobile phone, check that the battery is charged • Look out for others – check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather. Keep up to date Local radio is an excellent source of regular road and weather updates: • Touch FM: 102.0 MHz FM • BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Radio: 94.8, 103.7 and 104 MHz FM 7

9. Safer driving in Stratford-upon-Avon • Always ask yourself whether or not your journey is essential. If driving conditions are bad, it may be worth considering travelling by rail or bus. If you need to use your vehicle, please wait until the roads have been gritted. Warwickshire County Council grit 46% of their 3820 kilometre (2368 mile) highway network. For more information on gritting, take look at their website http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/gritting 8

10. Travel • Check the local radio for internet for travel information, including weather forecasts. • Make sure someone knows your planned route and estimated time of arrival. • Give yourself time to make sure your vehicle is safe – check your tyre pressure and tread. Don’t forget your spare tyre. Ensure your vehicle’s lights are clean and in working order and that you have enough fuel and windscreen wash before starting your journey. • Never set off until all the windows and mirrors have been cleared and defrosted. • Prepare yourself with a torch, mobile phone, wellingtons, warm clothing and, for longer journeys, a shovel and a hot flask. • Accelerate and brake more gently when in wet and icy conditions. Break before reaching a bend, not on it. • Use dipped headlights in mist, heavy rain, fog or falling snow. • Use rear fog lights in fog, mist or falling snow but not in rain. Remember to switch them off as soon as conditions allow. • Slow down and be aware of vulnerable road users such as cyclist, motor cyclists and pedestrians. • If you are travelling by rail or air, check directly with your rail or airline company to find out if their services have been affected by local weather or other problems and allow extra travel time to get to the station or airport. You can usually get this information from the internet. 9

11. Local Services Local services may be affected by the weather. For an update on how the weather may be affecting refuse collection, road, parking and schools, see the contact details below: Refuse collection or parking – Stratford on Avon District Council Tel: 01789 267575 or http://www.stratford.gov.uk/ Roads and schools – Warwickshire County Council Tel: 01926 410410 or http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ 10 Designed and Produced by Sue Taylor, Office & Facilities Manager