Residents can stock up in case a cold snap hits
Residents of Putney & Wandsworth are again being offered free bags of grit and rock salt next week as part of a town hall initiative to combat snow and ice this winter.
With winter now upon us, the council is offering residents up to 50 kilos of grit free of charge to help them clear frozen footpaths this winter.
Last year the council gave away almost 20 tonnes of grit to residents, community groups and neighbourhood watch co-ordinators.
Transport spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said:
“If it snows this winter we will be working flat out to clear snow and ice from the borough’s roads and pavements, but with nearly 230 miles of road surface and 450 miles of pavements it is a pretty mammoth task that always takes time to complete.
“Many people have told us they would be willing to help clear paths in their neighbourhoods if they have the tools to do the job. We are going to make sure they do. By working together like this we will be able to clear away the snow and ice much more quickly. Local people also have far greater knowledge of their own streets and neighbourhoods and are much better placed to clear ice from the front garden paths of vulnerable people living close by.”
Residents who want to take advantage of the offer should visit the council depot in Dormay Street between 10am and noon any day between Monday, November 17 and Saturday, November 22 – bringing proof of address to show they live in the borough. The depot’s postcode is SW18 1EY for people using sat-navs.
The council is also supplying sacks of grit to Wandsworth’s 200 neighbourhood watch co-ordinators and filling up grit bins across the borough so that local people have an immediate stock close at hand.
There are now 55 of these bins located around the borough, situated mainly in hilly areas where icy pavements can be particularly treacherous.
When snow has fallen, the priority is to keep the borough’s main roads clear of ice so that the emergency services and public transport can keep running. Particular attention is always paid to entrances at tube and rail stations, hospitals, day centres, schools, care homes, clinics and nurseries.
The gritting of borough red routes and their adjoining pavements is managed by Transport for London - these include the A3, A24, A205, A214, A306, A3205 and A3220.
To find the location of your nearest salt bin visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/snow. For more information about the free grit offer call 020 8871-6764.
November 13, 2014