Working together to beat the winter weather

The main responsibility for clearing and gritting the roads throughout the borough lies with the county council, but the newly adopted snow plan shows that the borough council will do as much as possible to keep everyone moving, and safe. The council is also issuing advice to members of the public so that communities can help out too.

Although the council doesn't have a statutory duty to clear the pavements of snow and ice, it will do so if staff are available. Councillor Malcolm Waters, chairman of the community committee, explains how it works: "Northamptonshire County Council have their own snow plan, and ours is very closely linked to theirs and we will be working together. They have identified and prioritised this area and they will clear priority 1 and priority 2 roads (A roads and some B roads) and category 1 footpaths.

"Our snow plan will kick in if our grounds maintenance and street cleansing teams are unable to carry out their normal duties because of snow on the ground, and can be redeployed elsewhere. We too have prioritised the area and will begin with our priority 1 footpaths, which include council-owned land such as the depot at Trafalgar House. This means the council should still be able to run efficiently, fleets of refuse vehicles will still be able to come and go, and members of the public will still be able to visit the council. If we still have resources after completing priority one areas we will move to priority two, which includes the town centre, and so on.

"Members of the council have also been advising the snow clearing teams of other priority areas, especially in the villages and rural areas, and these will be considered again if resources allow. It is important to note however - and this also applies to the county council's plan - that many minor roads and footpaths will receive no treatment at all. That's why we urge people to take care and to follow advice about clearing and gritting themselves."

The council is advising people to follow government guidance on clearing snow from pavements. There is no law stopping people from clearing snow and ice outside their homes or in public places. It's very unlikely that people will be held legally responsible for any injuries as long as it's cleared responsibly.

 Follow the snow code:

• Be careful - don't make the pavements more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. People walking on snow and ice have the responsibility to be careful themselves, so don't be put off clearing paths because you're afraid someone will get injured.
  
• Clear the snow and ice as early as possible in the morning. It's much easier to move fresh, loose snow and any sunshine during the day will help to melt the ice underneath.
  
• Use sand or salt, not water. Ordinary table salt or dishwasher salt will work - a tablespoon for each square metre should be sufficient. If you melt snow with water it may refreeze and turn to black ice, which is incredibly dangerous.
  
• If you don't have enough salt, you can use sand or ash. It won't stop the path icing over as efficiently as salt, but it will provide a good grip underfoot. Don't use the salt found in salt bins - this is needed to keep roads clear.
  
• Take care where you move the snow - don't put it where it will block people's paths or drains. Make sure you make a path down the middle or the area to be cleared first so you have a clear surface to walk on.
  
• If you have neighbours who may have difficulty getting in or out of their homes, offer to clear snow and ice from their property too. Check on any elderly or disabled neighbours during cold weather.

 People can get regular updates on the weather and snow clearance by going to the county council's website http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/ or calling 01604 236 236.