Borough's extreme weather plans in action

In light of the latest weather forecasts, with plunging temperatures and the strong possibility of snow, the Royal Borough has mobilised its extreme weather team to keep the borough on the move.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways and streetcare, said: "We are conscious that this weekend is the most important for shopping before Christmas and we are determined to do everything possible to keep town centres open for business and encourage people to use local shops in Windsor, Maidenhead and Ascot. That's why we have decided to salt town centre footways as a matter of course first thing today (Friday), Saturday and Sunday mornings.

"We will also be treating where necessary surface car parks in the town centres and the outside levels and ramps of multi-storeys as well as main pedestrian through routes in town centre parks."

The borough's road gritting programme is well underway with gritting of both primary and secondary routes according to the weather conditions.

Cllr Rayner added: "Good forward planning after the severe weather earlier this year meant we doubled our salt supplies. We are well placed as we enter this difficult spell but, of course, stocks are already being used to keep our roads safe and we are keeping them under constant review."

Cllr Rayner said that thanks to £100,000 additional capital funding allocated through the participatory budgeting exercise in March - when local people voted for projects they wanted to be funded for the year ahead - the council has also equipped the community to 'self help' if conditions deteriorate.

Grit bins and salt have been provided to parish councils, schools, care homes and residents' associations. There are now more than 100 grit bins in strategic places across the borough.

The council also has plans in place to ensure winter services continue wherever necessary over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Cllr Rayner said: "If the weather deteriorates, we will have regularly updated information about gritting, waste collection and other winter services on the council's website www.rbwm.gov.uk and we advise our residents to log on regularly for the latest information."

Borough schools break up for their Christmas holidays today (Friday) and all have been issued with guidance in case there is really bad weather when they return in January. They have also been reminded to stock up on their heating fuel supplies.

Cllr Rayner said: "We are in close touch with both adult and children's services and will redirect community wardens and other council staff to help support vulnerable members of our community if needed.

"Our message is - we are on high alert. Plans are already being implemented and we are ready for action should the need arise. We also urge residents to listen carefully to the weather forecasts and take great care when out and about."

Council winter services arrangements.

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