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Council services affected by the extreme weather
Unfortunately, the extreme weather is likely to have an impact on some council services.
This page will be kept as up to date as possible.
Monday 28.1.2013 (10am) - Bin collections
Due to the snowy and icey conditions last week some bins may not have been collected.
If your bin was not emptied we will collect extra side waste the next time we visit. This is up to four standard black bags of side waste, but we will be flexible. As long as bags are securely tied, this should not present any public health issues.
Severe weather shelter for rough sleepers
In cases of severe weather, when the night time temperature is predicted to fall below 0 degrees for three consecutive nights or more, Newark and Sherwood District Council has made provisions for a severe weather emergency shelter for rough sleepers.
If you are aware of any rough sleepers within the district, please direct them to Barnbygate Methodist Church, Newark. Doors are open between 9pm and 10.30pm each night to welcome rough sleepers, provide them with a warm meal, shelter and company throughout the night for the duration of the severe weather.
Winter roads and gritting
Nottinghamshire County Council are responsible for gritting and full information can be found on their website.
Get ready for winter
It’s a good idea to be prepared well in advance of winter, with clothing, food, equipment and contingency plans. Now is a good time to consider what preparations you, your family and community may need to make for winter weather. The Met Office provides advice on essential items to gather for home and when travelling in case you're stranded due to severe weather.
Nottinghamshire County Council has a Winter Weather Plan incorporating a Snow Code, which contains guidance on clearing snow and ice, winter driving and being a good neighbour.
Nottinghamshire County Council also grits A and B roads and major bus routes during the winter weather and some additional routes during severe weather. Their website has an online gritting map to show which of the county’s roads are gritted.
Gov.uk provides information on travel disruptions, cold weather payments, school closures, how to request road gritting and how to request help with clearing snow.
Useful Links
Cold weather advice
Follow these tips to keep you and your family warm and well in extremely cold weather:
- Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts.
- Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.
- Wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one chunky layer).
- Keep as active as possible.
- Wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days.
- Keep your main living room at around 18- 21°C (64-70°F) and the rest of the house at least 16°C (61°F). If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep.
Icy conditions
Icy pavements and roads can be very slippery. Take extra care if you go out and wear boots or shoes with good grip on the soles.
The Met Office advises putting grit or cat litter on paths and driveways to lessen the risk of slipping. It adds that you should wait until the roads have been gritted if you're travelling by car.
The Highways Agency offers useful advice on travelling in snow and freezing conditions.
Please remember that black ice on pavements or roads might not be clearly visible, and that compacted snow may turn to ice and become slippery.
Weather warnings
Visit the Met Office website for the latest weather warnings. www.metoffice.gov.uk
Look out for others
Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather. Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or people with serious illnesses, so check up on them if you can.
People with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems may find their symptoms get worse during a cold spell and for several days after temperatures return to normal.
