Snow grips county

Feb 25 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

WEST Lothian Council say they are doing their utmost to keep the county moving as snow gripped the area again.

A fresh band of snow hit West Lothian yesterday (Wednesday) and is forecast to stay until the weekend.

The Met Office issued the weather warning for February 24, 25 and 26 and forecast that heavy and persistent snow is expected, possibly giving accumulations of five to 10cm locally and up to 15cm on higher ground to the south of the area.

High winds are also being forecast throughout the period giving an increased risk of drifting on higher ground and exposed routes.

However, a West Lothian Council spokesman said the council are taking all the measures possible to keep roads passable.

He said: “Our roads teams were out overnight Tuesday/Wednesday preparing the main routes for the onset of the snow. All our plant and equipment was prepared at the start of the week in advance of the weather arriving and all grit bins have been filled.

“In addition local contractors were contacted to advise that their services may be required.

“There is currently a national shortage of salt, as a result our salt levels are at critical levels.

“Therefore the council, in accordance with national guidelines, are currently restricting the use of salt to primary routes only, which are our ‘A’, ‘B’ and some ‘C’ class roads.

“Again, in line with government recommendations, we are using grit (crushed stone) to treat, secondary carriageways including housing estates, footways and to fill grit bins.

“During such periods of bad weather all staff available within roads, street cleansing and Nets and land services are diverted to assist with winter maintenance duties.

“In the absence of salt to melt snow on secondary routes we are also employing local contractors with construction equipment to help provide a service within housing estates and school accesses.”