Snow: round-up of county services

THE forecast for later this evening (Thursday) indicates that West Sussex will see additional snowfalls with accumulations across the county of up to 10cm.

Highways

Gritters were working all last night and the main routes were passable with care. We are concentrating our efforts at the moment on the A24, A259, A264, A272, A29 and A286.

Distribution of salt (hippo bags) to rural areas has started with those heaviest hit first with help from District and Borough Councils and the Environment Agency along with salt being distributed to the major hospitals - Worthing, St Richard’s, Southlands - as well as to some of the community hospitals where required. Environment Agency is also assisting with snow clearance at St Richards.

Schools

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Some closures for tomorrow (Friday) are already listed on our website www,westsussex.gov.uk

Libraries

The county council is reminding people they can renew books on-line if their local library is shut.

Household Waste Recycling Sites

All sites are currently closed

Multipurpose Day Centres

All centres were closed today. Arrangements were made to ensure that people who depend on the service for personal care/meals etc had home support.

Adult and community learning

All classes for today were cancelled, and likely to be cancelled over next two days (3rd/4th December)

Meals on wheels

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Food in all kitchens apart from Crawley. WRVS are calling vulnerable clients and have 4X4 ‘s ready to deliver to them if there is no other option. Last week all clients did get a letter suggesting they stock up on frozen meals and most have taken this advice.

County Council Leader Louise Goldsmith said: “We have been doing our utmost to make sure as far as possible that major roads are kept open and that we make sure we look after our most vulnerable residents.

“I am grateful to all the gritting team who have been out in atrocious weather. Conditions were so bad that two gritters actually slid off roads they were treating at the time, and went into ditches. I was relieved to hear the drivers were not injured, and I am told the machines are now back on the road.

“I am also grateful to members of the South East 4x4 Response Club for their support in helping us maintain services to the vulnerable, and to all our partner agencies, as well as our District and Borough Councils.

“With more snow forecast, the advice must be only to travel if your journey is essential, and I would urge people to keep an eye on any elderly neighbours.”