Council using “every possible resource” to keep county moving

Dec 9 2010 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

WEST Lothian Council say they have used “every possible resource” to keep the county moving.

Council officials say staff have been working flat out with their fleet of 30 gritters out 24 hours a day on 12 hour shifts to keep the main routes clear.

Private contractors and volunteers have also been drafted in and the local authority have used 34 mini-tractors and JCBs and shovels to clear secondary routes, town centres and residential areas.

Personal and domiciliary care workers have struggled through the snow to reach and successfully care for vulnerable people while staff have worked double shifts in residential homes and stayed in offices overnight to ensure that there was cover.

West Lothian Council leader Peter Johnston praised the “fantastic commitment and determination” of his staff and members of the public to keep vital services operating during the heaviest and most persistent snow fall since 1964.

But he slammed those residents who have subjected some council staff to “unacceptable abuse.”

Councillor Johnston told the Courier: “Obviously Monday's heavy snow fall was extremely disruptive.

“Council staff had worked hard and pulled out all the stops to make significant progress in our residential areas and to get our schools open.

“To be hit by an unexpected more than 15cm of snow was a massive set back, but council staff are determined to continue the battle.

“Our priority now is to clear — again — our schools estate as it is vital that pupils get back to school as soon as possible.

“We are also continuing our work in the residential areas focusing on the areas we have not yet visited.

“Our staff, volunteers and private contractors and the public have been fantastic and deserve huge praise for their efforts. I am proud of the community spirit shown by so many in our community.

“I am, however, extremely annoyed and upset to hear that a few people in the community have been abusing staff. This is completely unjustified and totally unacceptable.

“We completely accept that this is a frustrating and difficult time for everyone and that people are losing patience, aren't we all?

“However to direct abuse at the very people who are doing their very best to help all of us is shameful.”

The council says its priority is to ensure that residential areas are accessible. As soon as this task is completes they will start the operation to fill their 1,600 grit bins. Grit can also be collected from the six Community Recycling Centres (CRCs).

The majority of schools opened to pupils on Wednesday with more expected to reopen today (Thursday).