Forecast

Mostly cloudy today with a few snow showers, especially during the morning. Very cold with RSTs struggling to rise much above zero. The continued risk of a few light snow flurries overnight with a few clear spells at times. RSTs below zero with ice. A few light snow flurries into tomorrow morning too. Slight additional snow accumulations through the period, with around a centimetre or two possible.

Highways Update

All Priority 1and 2 routes have been treated. Gritters will patrol and treat /plough as necessary throughout the morning and will be reviewed at lunch time following receipt of the main forecast.

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Forecast

The main lunchtime forecast for County Durham states the following:-

This afternoon will have further spells of snow although sleet may fall in the most coastal areas. Tonight will see further spells of snow but these should gradually become more confined to the east and some clear spells may develop across western areas. Again, sleet rather than snow may fall in the most coastal areas. RSTs below zero with ice and hoar frost and RSTs will drop sharply in any later clear spells. Tomorrow morning will have snow showers with the continued risk of sleet on the coast.

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Forecasts

The main lunchtime forecast for County Durham states the following

This afternoon will be largely cloudy with a few snow showers. Overnight there will be spells of snow, especially after midnight. The snow may fall as sleet at times at times in coastal areas and on the lowest ground inland. RSTs will be below zero for much of the time causing hoar frost and ice, with ice an especially large hazard where sleet does fall for a time. Tomorrow morning will see further spells of snow.

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Any serious issues anywhere please contact me. Mark

Forecasts

The preliminary forecast issued at 7am states

There will be a fair amount of cloud with a few snow showers. However, there will be a band of more persistent snow moving in from the south during the evening. RSTs below zero with ice. Snow will be heavy at times during the night and with a strengthening wind there will be the risk of drifting over high ground. The snow will gradually ease through tomorrow morning. Accumulations of snow are expected to reach around 10cm but up to 15cm possible over the highest routes

There have been intermittent heavy showers throughout the night with drifting snow affecting some of the higher exposed routes.

Highways Update

All Priority 1 routes have been patrolled/treated/ploughed throughout the night..

This work will continue throughout the morning and will be reviewed at lunch time following receipt of the main forecast.

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Many of us don’t have problems with the ice and snow but the elderly and disabled can be housebound by it. If you have an elderly neighbour please go and check that they are OK and see if there is anything you can help out with. If there is a serious problem in a particular area please let me know.

I have arranged for sacks of grit to be delivered to a number of locations where residents do not have a grit bin nearby because the council will not provide one, using some of the local funding we are given as councillors. Residents are helping to spread this on roads. If you have a grit bin near you please help out by putting some grit down on sharp bends on our estates.

If a grit bin is empty call 01913706000 or email hal@durham.gov.uk , Council staff are on a rotor system going round areas so it could take a little time to fill up empty bins.

If there is an area where you think there should be a grit bin and there isn’t one within a few hundred metres, let me know and I will check if the location has been refused in the past or ask for it to be surveyed.

I have reported problems on Finchale Road, Fram Moor and Old Pit, Finchale View in Fram Moor and the entrance to Brasside (Finchale Av) where there are potholes or the road is breaking up. Email hal@durham.gov.uk if you spot any potholes or highways issues or call 0191 3706000

Highways Update

 Forecast

The preliminary 7am forecast for County Durham states the following

It will be rather cloudy through the afternoon with some occasional snow at times. The snow will become heavier for a time through the evening (1600 to 2200) and at first overnight before easing and becoming patchier later. Some drifting of snow is possible in the breeze. RSTs below zero with icy patches expected. Tomorrow morning will be cloudy with snow easing to bring occasional snow flurries.

Winter Maintenance plans will be finalised following receipt of the main forecast at lunch time however in view of the 5 day forecast received yesterday and the forecasts in the media’ preliminary arrangements have been put in place to cover the worst case scenario. The secondary routes will be treated and additional ploughing contractors will be available.

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From Durham County Council:

With the winter weather looking set to continue through the week, people in CountyDurham are being offered tips and advice on staying safe, warm and well.

Durham County Council’s website includes a downloadable ‘personal winter plan’, which contains checklists, useful telephone numbers and space to add extra important information.

For advice on keeping warm and well during cold weather or to download the personal winter plan, visit www.durham.gov.uk/warmandwell

If you need help during winter weather or are concerned about someone else’s welfare during severe weather, you can use the following numbers:

–        Highways Action Line (HAL): 0191 370 6000 or email HAL@durham.gov.uk – for enquiries about the salting of roads and footpaths.

–        Social Care Direct: 0845 850 5010 – for concerns about someone’s welfare.

–        Durham County Council: 03000 26 0000 for all other issues, or visit www.durham.gov.uk

–        NHS 111: if you need medical help but it isn’t an emergency.

£2500 Business Loans for local young people

The Coalition Government is expanding its start-up loans scheme, which offers young entrepreneurs loans of around £2,500 to help them start businesses. This is to help younger people who are finding it difficult to get loans from banks.

The scheme had originally been aimed at 18-to-24-year-olds, but is now being expanded to those aged up to 30. Loans are at a rate of 6% at the moment and over 200 businesses have already been helped. The scheme also includes a mentoring service. Repayments in the first year are very low and loans can be taken over 5 years. The average loan amount is £2500 but there is no definite limit on how much you can apply for.

If you are thinking of setting up your own business and are aged 18-30 or know someone in our area who may benefit, visit www.startuploans.co.uk

Existing businesses can also benefit from assistance in employing 18-24 year olds by visiting www.apprenticeships.org.uk or calling 08000 150 600. Coalition government grants of £1500 are available.

In addition anyone setting up a new business can also benefit from a National Insurance holiday of upto £5000 for the first 12 months of your business running. More information can be found at www.hmrc.gov.uk by searching for “national insurance holiday”.

Your local Lib Dem councillors are pushing the County Council to promote these government schemes.