Monday 4 Jan/Tuesday 5 Jan 2010

Mostly fine this affternoon and this evening, but a band of sleet and snow will move down from the northwest from 10pm onwards (perhaps 8 or 9pm in extreme west), clearing southwards by 2/3am. Thereafter there will be some clear spells, but a freshening north to north-east wind will start to feed scattered heavy snow showers in off the North Sea, these continuing on and off through Tuesday. RSTs well below zero with widespread ice.

 

A general 2-5cm of fresh snow expected with 5-10cm possible in hilly parts.

 

Actions

 

Northern area – Standby pm and am.  All depots to be manned overnight. 

Southern area – Standby 6pm and am.  Work to continue overnight until at least 9am and may continue after this time depending on conditions. 

 

RSTs well below zero.  Snow showers in all areas.

 

Streetscene and Refuse

Recycling and refuse collection continuing as normal in all areas of the County.  Where there are still problems with access crews will continue to try and access this week where there have been missed collections.

Continuing to clear footpaths in all areas.

 

Weekend 3/4  January 2009

Northern area – RSTs well below zero.  Snow showers in all areas.

Southern area – Sunday remained very cold and there were frequent snow showers during the morning.  The showers became fewer in the afternoon although there were still a few drifting in from the north.  During the evening and overnight, it was dry with largely clear skies.  It was another very cold night with RSTs remaining well below freezing.  

 

Actions

Northern Area – snow salt at 6pm and 4am.

Southern Area – snow salted pm (all areas) and am higher areas; pre salted most areas am

 

I have been notified that there will be no refuse collections today and that collections will now take place tomorrow – due to Health and Safety issues – I imagine this is mainly due to the state of the side streets and pavements. if you find your refuse/recycling hasn’t been picked up, please leave it out for an extra day.

FROM MARK

Council update below. The daily addition of snow is clearly causing many concerns particularly on residential roads. Some streets have now had icerinks and dangerous pavements for over two weeks. Whilst it is clear from the updates from County Hall that they are pushed out, I am increasingly concerned about residential side streets and pavements. Many of the pavements outside the communal halls in the area have not been touched, and I will be again requesting action in certain areas which up to now have not been tended to – probably because of the workload keeping the main routes open.

COUNTY COUNCIL UPDATE

General Synopsis

Staying cold this afternoon with bright spells and further scattered snow showers, many of them light but still the risk of an occasional heavy one, especially in the east. This evening and at first tonight there are still likely to be scattered snow showers, particularly in the east giving 1-3cm. These are expected to finally die away towards midnight leaving it dry for a few hours, before a few more light flurries edge down from the north between 5 and 8am amounting to less than 1cm. These then clearing to leave tomorrow mostly dry. Road Surface Temperatures (RSTs) well below zero with widespread ice (typically -8 C)

Proposed actions

Drivers were changed at 1.00pm this afternoon and will continue until the showers die out this evening.  Next shift commences at 4.00am tomorrow morning to ensure return to work journeys are as trouble free as possible.  All priority 1 and 2 routes to be treated.

Footways will continued to be cleared by hand.

The position on refuse collections will be reviewed tomorrow morning

Outlook for next few days

Remaining very cold throughout. Mosty fine tomorrow and the first half of tomorrow night, but a band of sleet and snow spreading from the north in the second half of the night, heavy in places. This will move away on Tuesday to leave the following few days with a mix of clear spells and snow showers, some of the snow showers very heavy and frequent at times.

FROM COUNTY COUNCIL

Overnight
Yesterday afternoon there were outbreaks of sleet and snow giving accumulations. There were then further outbreaks of sleet and snow during the first half of the night giving further accumulations, particularly over the coastal strip (some 3″). . The sleet and snow then cleared away after midnight to leave it largely dry, although there were a few snow flurries in the west between 0500 and 0700. Road surface temperatures (RSTs) well below zero with icy conditions.

General Synopsis
Heavy sleet and snow will spread south across the county this afternoon with several cms accumulating rapidly between 2 and 6pm. The snow will clear away southwards between 6 and 8pm, leaving lengthy clear spells and just well scattered snow showers overnight. RSTs well below zero with widespread ice.
Snow Summary
From this afternoons snow 1-3cm expected on the coast where it may start as sleety rain before turning to snow. 2-5cm on low ground inland. 4-8cm in Pennine areas. An additional local 1cm almost anywhere from any well scattered snow showers overnight, although these most likely by the coast.
Proposed Actions
Shifts have again been extended for another 24hrs till 1.00pm tomorrow 3rd Jan to deal with the expected snow this evening and overnight showers

From County Council :

 

Overnight it was very cold with further sleet and snow showers, with the showers merging during the early hours to give longer spells of snow, with some heavy bursts. There were significant accumulations of snow. 
15 cm of fresh snow this morning already in Upper Teesdale and Weardale and up to 5cm at lower levels. RSTs fell well below zero down to -5C. There were a spate of minor accidents early evening in various locations but it became quieter from around 7.30pm.  Three snow salts were undertaken but even so the roads kept turning white during the heavier showers of 3am and 6am

 

 

General Synopsis

 

This morning there will be outbreaks of snow with accumulations of 5-8cm, although up to 10cm is possible locally. There will then be further sleet and snow showers this afternoon into the evening with another 5cm of snow possible. Overnight it will be very cold with further scattered sleet and snow showers with accumulations of 1cm possible in places, especially across the higher routes. RSTs falling well below zero with ice and the risk of hoar frost. Tomorrow morning there will be the further risk of some sleet and snow showers with up to 10cm possible.

 

 

 

Actions

Continuing to keep major routes open but the prospect of further significant snowfall means that shifts are being extended from 1.00pm today to 1.00pm Saturday.  All involved in WM are becoming increasingly tired!

FROM COUNTY COUNCIL

 

Wednesday evening/Thursday morning update

Northern Area – Road surface temperatures below zero. Showers falling as snow with accumulations on all roads.

 

Southern Area – Wednesday afternoon was rather cloudy with outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow. Overnight it was very cold and breezy with some clear spells but there was also quite a lot of cloud as well as sleet and snow showers. Some of the snow showers were heavy at times leading to accumulations. Road surface temperatures fell well below zero.

 

Actions Northern Area –  Some areas were pre-salted at 6.00 p.m. and 4.00 a.m.  with the other areas being snow salted at 3.00 p.m. and  4.00 a.m.  High ground routes were re-treated from 10.30 a.m. following snow showers onto below freezing roads. Patrols are taking place in areas where problems have been reported.   Southern Area – Snow salted at 6.00 p.m. and 4.00 a.m. with most areas being re-treated from 6.30 a.m. onwards.  Snow ploughing continues to be carried out on the highest roads.   Streetscene and refuse

Streetscene continues to assist with winter maintenance activities.

 

Refuse collection was suspended in the northern area and in parts of Durham City due to severe conditions. Collections will recommence on Monday 4^th January 2010.

 

Road Closures

The following roads were closed due to severe weather:-

C21 Rookhope to Allenheads

B6278 Crawleyside

C20 Meadows Edge

B6277 West of Harwood.

 

The B6278 Shaftwell Head and the B6295 Cowshill to Allenheads are passable with care.

 

Thursday 31^st December 2009/Friday 1^st January 2010

It will be cold and breezy this afternoon with sunny spells and scattered wintry showers, giving local slight accumulations of snow. It will be very cold and icy tonight with clear spells and further scattered showers of hail, sleet and snow moving in from the North Sea at intervals. Road surface temperatures will be well below zero with widespread ice. Further snow showers are expected tomorrow, perhaps with a period of more persistent snow spreading from the north by the end of the morning.

Actions

Northern Area – All depots will be on standby from 3.00 p.m.  today until 1.00p.m. on 1^st January 2010.

 

Southern Area – All depots will be on standby from 3.00 p.m. today until 2.00 a.m. on 1^st January 2010.  Secondary routes will be treated tonight from 6.00 p.m. and tomorrow from 6.00 a.m. The PM shift will continue until 2.00 a.m. Possibility of the morning shift working through till lunchtime dependent on conditions.

 

Forecast for the next few days

Remaining very cold throughout the period with road surface temperatures well below zero. Further snow showers tomorrow afternoon and at first tomorrow night but they should die away. Dry for a time on Saturday but snow showers look likely to return in the afternoon and overnight, before slowly dying out on Sunday with increasing amounts of sunshine. Dry on Sunday night and at first on Monday, but a risk of further snow showers later on Monday.

Winter Weather Information

To access the weather summary page please click on the link below.

 

http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?ServiceId=929

FROM COUNTY COUNCIL

 

Tuesday evening/Wednesday morning update

Northern area – RST below zero on high ground, marginal elsewhere.  Showers falling as snow on high ground with accumulations on lower Pennine routes.

Southern area – scattered wintry showers during the evening in Pennine areas with RSTs sub zero.  Marginal temperatures elsewhere.  Snow drifting on the highest roads in the west with depths to 600mm in places.  High Pennine resources continuing to plough on the highest roads this morning.  Trailer gritter routes treated this morning.

 

Actions

Northern area – pre-salted at 4 pm and 4am as well as snow salting at 4pm and 4am.  

Southern area – pre-salted at 5am and snow salted some areas at 4pm and others at 7pm as well as 4am.  Ploughing carried out in some areas at 4pm and 4am.  Note lower level routes start delayed last night due to rain showers.

 

Streetscene and refuse

Continued to grit main streets in all areas.

Recycling and refuse picking up all bins left out and trying to return to pick up bins that were put out a day late.  Are still a few streets where there are access problems eg one in Craghead, Satley and Cornsay.    

 

Wednesday 30 December/Thursday 31 December

Cold and windy this afternoon with a lot of cloud and further showers, these falling as snow over high level roads in the west. This evening and tonight there will still be occasional showers blown in from the North Sea on a brisk north-easterly wind. These showers will turn increasingly wintry even at low levels by the end of the night as colder air starts to return. In-between the showers there will be fairly lengthy dry spells with enough breaks in the cloud to allow RSTs to fall below zero with widespread ice, the ice made worse where the wintry showers fall on frozen surfaces. Cold tomorrow with sunny spells and scattered showers of hail, sleet and snow.

 

1-3cm additional snow likely in Pennine areas from the showers, mainly above 300m this afternoon and above 100m by tomorrow morning. Perhaps local slight accumulations elsewhere late in the night and tomorrow morning.

 

Winter conditions in Upper Weardale

A689 at Killhope is now closed due to drifting snow (approx 300mm deep).  The contractor is continuing to plough.

Road closures on road C20 Blanchland to Crawleyside (Stanhope) and C21 Rookhope to Allenheads where drifting snow (up to 600mm deep) has again closed roads.

Road B6278 at Shaftwell Head between Stanhope and Egglestone is passable with care.

B6276 Lunedale road clsoed due to snow drifts on the Cumbria side of border.

 

Actions

Northern area – Crews on standby depot at 3 pm and other 2 depots at 6pm.  All crews on standby at 4am tomorrow.

Southern area – Crews on standby for Pennines at 3pm, other depots at 6pm.  All crews on standby at 4am tomorrow including trailer gritters.

 

Streetscene and refuse

Continuing to grit main streets in all areas and assisting refuse vehicles to gain access to streets. 

 

Recycling and refuse bins are being collected today where the bins are being presented for collection.  Teams will continue to catch up on any missed collections today.  Southern area catching up with emptying litter bins .  A press release is to be issued as a reminder to residents about  collections.

 

Possible problems envisaged as the ice thaws, especially with regard to burst pipes.  Over the next few days staff will be alert and ready to act if required to any burst pipes in Council Buildings eg community centres, residential homes etc.   

 

Forecast for next few days

Very cold with RSTs well below zero on each night (and struggling to rise above zero in places by day). Sleet and snow showers are possible at times, blowing in from the North Sea and giving a few cms over higher routes especially during Thursday and Thursday night. Fewer showers Friday but a risk of more widespread snow showers for a time on Saturday (low confidence). Drier Sunday/Monday but showers of rain/sleet/snow are still possible in the east. Increasing risk of freezing fog patches inland.

 

Winter Weather Information

To access the weather summary page please click on the link below.

 

http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?Serviceld=929

 

Monday evening/Tuesday morning update

Northern area – RST below zero.  Slight flurry of snow showers early am.  Southern area – RST well below zero overnight and this morning.  A few isolated light snow showers reported mainly in the Pennine areas.

 

Both areas pre-salted at 6pm on Monday 28 Dec and snow salted at 4am Tuesday 29 Dec. 

 

Tuesday 29 December 2009

Rather cloudy this afternoon with scattered showers, falling as snow above around 150 metres. Overnight, further scattered showers – again falling as snow above around 150 metres – accumulations likely, especially on the Pennines. Lower down, rain and sleet showers. Tomorrow morning, as slightly colder air arrives the snow could fall to lower levels, although accumulations are currently not expected at these lower levels. RSTs below zero on higher ground, especially in snow. Lower down, they are likely to be marginal, but probably remaining just above zero for much of the time.

 

Snow showers bringing 1-4cms above 150 metres, and perhaps as much as 8cms or so across the higher Pennines. Brisk easterly winds bring the risk of drifting on the higher roads.

 

Actions

Northern area – crews on standby 4pm Tuesday 29 December and 4am Wednesday 30 December.  Pre-salt all routes at 4pm today.  Note both shifts to be held for posible futher action due to snow forecast.

Southern area – crews on standby at 4pm Tuesday 29 December and 4 or 5am on Wednesday 30 December(depending on depot location).

 

Streetscene and refuse – teams are continuing today to work on gritting priority footpaths in all areas.  Also some work is being done to clear access for refuse vehicles.

 

Winter Weather Information

To access the weather summary page please click on the link below.

 

http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?Serviceld=929

Councillor Mark Wilkes was joined by local resident Adam Walker in Pity Me, and by Parish Councillor Arnie Simpson in Witton Gilbert to carry out a community speedwatch with Durham Constabulary officers.

The speedwatch comes after concerns raised by councillors about speeding in both villages.. The local community, through PACT meetings had also raised concerns about speeding. It is hoped that the evidence from this event will help both the police and the County Council when determining what needs to be done in the area.

Community speed watch allows local residents to write down the details of cars speeding over 33mph in a 30mph zone. Anyone recorded is then sent a warning letter advising them to slow down. 31 cars were recorded travelling over 33mph on Abbey Road in Pity Me, and 9 were recorded in Witton Gilbert. A considerable number more were recorded between 30 and 33 mph.

Councillor Wilkes commented “I have always thought that with any problem it must be tackled in a number of different ways. Education, a bit of carrot and stick and improvements to the road infrastructure can all be used to slow people down.”

“We recorded around 40 people over the two sites speeding, which clearly shows that in both locations, additional work is required. The amazing thing was that even though we were very visible with flourescent jackets, and signs, some vehicles were still recorded driving above 40mph in 30 zones. It was clear that a large number of vehicles had already slowed down by the time they reached the speed camera, so the true figure is clearly significantly higher.

Councillor Wilkes continued “If someone is knocked over by a car travelling at 40mph there is a 90% change they will be killed. If a car is driving at 30mph this drops to just 10%. I would ask all drivers to think about this very seriously.”

Councillor Wilkes now hopes that additional highways work can be carried out in Witton Gilbert, through the creation of a gateway to the village which will allow 30mph signs and road markings to be installed. He has also requested surveys for 20mph zones outside schools in Bearpark, Witton Gilbert and Framwellgate Moor following on from a recent change in council policy.

He said “I hope that this excellent work between the police, the community, and local councillors will continue, and I also want to see if the County Council is willing to look more closely at possible speed limit changes and highways work in a number of locations.”

The Liberal Democrats have unveiled their proposals on tax.

I have decided to list the whole lot below for anyone interested, to show that they are fully costed unlike the other parties.

taxproposals.pdf