Help & Advice - Ponteland Town Council

Ponteland Town Council and Snow/Ice Advice

Ponteland Town Council accepts that it is the responsibility of Northumberland County Council (NCC) to clear snow and prevent the highways clogging up, as well as to clear some footpaths. However, as we are all aware, NCC has neither the time nor the resources to visit and treat/clear all minor/estate roads and especially most cul-de-sacs. Some footpaths and/or roads in Ponteland never see any NCC activity. We, the people of Ponteland, must think of things that we can do to help ourselves. The present attitude of some that it is someone else’s problem is really not the solution. A phrase comes to mind originally from JFK that with a small change may be appropriate for us in Ponteland at this time, “Think not what NCC can do for Ponteland but what we can do ourselves for Ponteland”. The following are some measures we should take for those that are able to help us all when a lot of snow has fallen and or it has turned to ice.

1	Be prepared, have a proper snow shovel. Some people have been seen trying to clear snow using a small coal shovel.
2	Have some rock salt as a stand-by so that you are able to distribute a little around your own paths and drives.
3	If at all possible, keep your car on your own drive, or in a garage if you have one. This will help any Snowploughs or Gritters that may appear and certainly help any traffic that need to pass. We have all seen vehicles that have been parked at the roadside covered with lots of snow and ice causing a problem. Vehicles may want to pass but cannot due to on-coming traffic and then have trouble starting off again on an icy surface.
4	If possible try and clear your own path and the path that is outside your house. If we all did this, pedestrians would find it a lot easier and thus keep off the roads. On estate roads and or cul-de-sacs avoid shovelling snow and ice into piles that block roadways or pavements – this is thoughtless and potentially dangerous.
5	On some roads can a piece of the highway be cleared of snow/slush in parts ? Perhaps a series of strips cleared across the road will help traffic get some traction.
6	If you have a neighbour who is not able to carry out any clearing of snow/ice, can you help them? Do they need a path to a waste bin or a repeat prescription or groceries ? Can they be contacted in any way to ensure that they are OK ? A simple phone call may do.
7	If you have a plumber/builder etc working on your house, can they park on your drive rather than on the road ? This will help traffic flow.
	The Government has stated that as long as you take care when clearing snow and or ice and do not leave snow in awkward places, you cannot be sued.
	Have YOU any suggestions that may be useful? If so please pass them to Ponteland Town Council.