Big freeze to last into the weekend

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Thursday 3rd Mar 2005.

Bradford remained in the grip of ice and snow today with the big freeze predicted to last into the weekend.

But the Council says its £1 million snow plan, drawn up by senior engineers before the winter, is working well with grit so far in good supply

Dozens of gritters were out last night after predictions of one of the coldest nights of the winter with temperatures dipping as low as minus six. But there was praise today by principle highways engineer Keith Escritt for drivers who have staggered journeys, avoiding peak times and staying calm during hold-ups. However, traffic was moving extremely slowly during the rush hour period.

The deepest snow has been at Queensbury and moors above Oxenhope and residents were warned of disruption to rubbish collections across the district because of the severe weather.

John Turner, the Council's principle waste services officer said some collections had been missed yesterday and there could be further cancellations if the wintry conditions continued.

He apologised for the inconvenience to the public and said some routes were inaccessible and were having to be missed out for health and safety reasons.

"What we are saying to people if their collections have been missed; they can have it collected next week and leave out any waste they have."

The Government's Highways Agency warned all road users to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they set out - particularly if travelling towards the North, North East or south towards Kent which has seen some of the heaviest snowfalls.

Drivers were also urged to make sure they were equipped with warm clothes, food. water, boots, de-icer, a torch and spade.

The Highways Agency website - www.highways.gov.uk - gives information on road conditions and the Met Office, on www.metoffice.gov.uk, for weather information.

Bradford Council is carrying out winter maintenance for the first time in a number of years with its own workforce and sub contractors.

In the past, tenders have been won by private companies but the Council's executive member for the environment Councillor Anne Hawkesworth said: "I am pleased how well it has gone in the dire weather we have had in the past fortnight. Our grit supplies are still extremely good, unlike some local authorities who have run out and asked if we can spare any."

Manager of Age Concern, Bradford, Mohammed Shakel warned hypothermia was a dangerous condition caused by short exposure to extreme cold or prolonged exposure to

mild cold.

He said the danger signs were very cold skin, even under clothes, drowsiness and slurred speech.

Mr Shakel added elderly people should "dress well, eat well and keep moving."

For more information, contact Age Concern on 01274 395144 or visit the office at 19 Sunbridge Road, Bradford between 10am and 3pm.

Meanwhile, Bingley thermal clothing specialist Damart has reported sales of thermal underwear have doubled due to the cold spell.

"Sales have increased by fifty per cent over the last two weeks," said marketing director John Bottomley.

The company has set up a special hotline to deal with the increased demand for winter warmers.

"The Met Office say the cold spell is set to continue and we want to make it as easy as possible for people to be prepared," said Mr Bottomley.

Damart's hotline number is 0870 121 3709.

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