Will We Have Enough Grit This Winter?

A snowy scene on Wool Road last winter.

The borough council and Saddleworth Parish Council have been in discussions about gritting and snow clearance for this winter.

At last week’s meeting of the Parish Council, many councillors said they believed the main roads are usually cleared and gritted to a satisfactory level.

However, many also stated that smaller side roads are often left for volunteers and residents to clear up themselves. This can be a problem for streets which house elderly residents.

Oldham Council Cabinet member Cllr Jean Stretton took questions from parish councillors at the meeting.

She said: “We have got sufficient grit to cover us even if this winter is as bad as last. We are committed to trying to improve. We’re not in the business of giving less to Saddleworth than other areas of the borough.”

With Saddleworth being high up, it is usually the worst hit area of Oldham borough when it comes to bad weather in winter.  Last year snow caused disruption to roads and bus services, especially during December.

Several parish councillors have already held a meeting with borough council officials about the possibility of some kind of community gritting initiative for Saddleworth to add to what Oldham Council already provides. The scheme could involve more use of volunteers and some equipment funded by the borough, however it won’t be fully in place until next winter, 2012/13.

Parish Cllr Royce Franklin said: “We are consulting as widely as possible throughout Saddleworth, funds are extremely tight and we already know that in this rural area it is not possible for every side road and country lane to be cleared. This year I am hoping to get as many volunteers involved as possible.”

For the last two winters volunteers have made use of 30 hand propelled gritting machines, which have been situated around Saddleworth.  This year the council is hoping for more volunteers to come forward and help clear roads in the areas close to where they live.

The meeting also raised the issue of drivers parking their vehicles on the main roads, so they don’t have to drive into snowy side roads.

Cllr Franklin said: “A major problem in this district is that of parked cars on both major and minor roads. They have prevented the large gritters clearing a major road on a number of occasions and provide an excuse for bus companies to abruptly stop their service, which in turn causes many schools to close.”

Tony Marlor, Clerk of Saddleworth Parish Council, has urged residents from each village to let the council know which roads being cleared would be most beneficial to local people.

All suggestions should be sent to Tony Marlor, Clerk of Saddleworth Parish Council, Civic Hall, Lee Street, Uppermill. Alternatively an email can be sent to tony@saddleworthparishcouncil.org.uk. Suggestions can also be made by phoning 01457 876665. All suggestions will need to be made by Friday 4November.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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