Roads shut as grit supplies run low
THREE roads were closed today as a grit shortage and cold weather continued to hit North Staffordshire.
Police decided to shut off roads in both directions in Harriseahead, Audley and Stafford after patrols revealed they were too dangerous to drive on.
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Long Lane in Harriseahead was shut between the Stadmorslow Lane junction and the Chapel Lane junction.
Tixall Road in Stafford was closed between the A518 Weston Road junction and the Holdiford Road junction.
Alsager Road was closed between the A500 junction and the B5500 Nantwich Road junction in Audley.
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said the decision had been taken because Staffordshire County Council had been unable to grit the roads.
He said: "One of our patrols was driving along Alsager Road at 1am after attending a road traffic collision and found it too dangerous for vehicles to be on.
"The same happened in Long Lane during a routine patrol at 3.30am when one of our officers felt it was too dangerous for vehicles to be on the road.
"We contacted the county council to inform them of our decision to shut the roads.
"We will be monitoring the situation throughout the day."
A county council spokesman said it was not treating rural roads which may have been treated in the past because of dwindling grit supplies across the county.
But he said A and B roads were continuing to be treated.
He said: "We are focussing on core road networks where the majority of people drive, which means some roads are not getting treated.
"We have a finite amount of resources for the next few days but can't hit everywhere."
Highways cabinet member John Wakefield said the county council was trying to get the maximum benefit out of the limited salt available.
He said: "Like our colleagues across the country, we are looking to nationally co-ordinated efforts to replenish stocks in this exceptional period.
"We are following national guidance and delivering as much as we can, constrained by what is reasonable and practical, in these difficult circumstances."
The county council says it does not know when fresh supplies of grit will arrive.
8 Comments
by john, shelton
Friday, February 13 2009, 1:55PM
“Harry you could be right as people couldn't do any worst than the bunch we've had over the last 30 years and don't talk about balancing the books when they give land away value at £250,000 for £1 and have virtually bankrupt the city with there inept handling of the city's fiances”
by Abandoned, Harriseahead
Friday, February 13 2009, 7:06AM
“I contacted Newcastle council to enquire about getting a grit bin located in chapel lane Harriseahead and was told to contact the highways department, this was their reply, " I've been instructed we're not taking anymore requests at the moment for grit bins as we are at critical levels", I said I appreciate that but for next year but I was told the same or try phoning back in a few weeks.
Looks like they've run out of paper and pens as well doesn't it.”
by Harry, SOT
Thursday, February 12 2009, 9:44PM
“Same old moans! Well, if you are that bothered then give something back to society and put yourselves up for local councillor and do something about it! Then you would see the realities of having the responsibility of balancing a budget and trying to satisfy the many and varied demands of everyone.”
by john, shelton
Thursday, February 12 2009, 6:38PM
“A pity people can't pick what part of council tax they won't to pay given 3rd rate service they provide, plus the billions paid by road users for the rubish road we all have to drive on.”
by Alan, s-o-t
Thursday, February 12 2009, 1:16PM
“concidering we do the same thing year in year out, it's amaizing we run out of grit, it's even more 'amaizing' that it'll cost us more to have less yet again. A sign of the time's i think, pinch a penny here, rob a pound there then charge the public for being stupid enough to allow it.”
by ST, Stoke
Thursday, February 12 2009, 1:06PM
“Agree with christopher. We are now conditioned to existing in a culture where we expect and accept annual rises in council tax inspite of no justification from the councils. They will continue fleecing their constituants until we make a stand.”
by christopher, Bradwell
Thursday, February 12 2009, 12:55PM
“Even though this is national problem (apart from Devon which had some of the harshest winter conditions but managed to keep enough stock to give it to other councils!) We are told we have to pay an extra 4% on our council tax even though we have reductions in services? and I'm not just talking about closing a few roads..
We are getting less for our money but paying more and we all just sit here and accept it.... it's time we got these idiots out of the council who use our money like they where playing a game of monopoly!
Lets get some people in power who actually care about the community!”
by Mark, Kidsgrove
Thursday, February 12 2009, 12:31PM
“A decison was made to shut Long Lane at 03:30 am eh, how come it was open to all when i travelled along there (along with many others) at 07:30 then?? The council have been a disgrace during this bad weather, not once in the past week & a half have i been able to get to work without any problems. When will they EVER learn?”