Pinching the salt
Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date published: 02 December 2010
GRITTERS are battling around the clock are having their efforts put in jeopardy by people stockpiling grit from salt bins and pelting snow ploughs with bricks and eggs.
Councillor John McCann, cabinet member form environment and regeneration, said: “Local grit bins are in place to assist citizens in areas of identified need.
“Removing this stock is not just theft — it is dangerous and could have serious consequences.
“This can affect people’s ability to get their vehicles on the road and deny access to grit for some of our most vulnerable residents.
“The details of these incidents — which have occurred across the borough — have been passed on to the police.
“We take this very seriously and will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found emptying these bins. If any member of the public sees this happening I would ask them to contact either our Snow Desk on 0161-770 4421/4423 (daytime hours only) or our First Response team 0161-770 2222 at any other time.
“Regrettably there have also been two incidents where gritting vehicles have been attacked by gangs of youths. On Sunday and Monday evening bricks and eggs were thrown at lorries clearing snow in Shaw town centre.
Eggs can be extremely dangerous as they are difficult to shift when frozen on to a windscreen and can make driving perilous.
“We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour against staff who are delivering what is classed in current conditions as an emergency service.
“Thankfully the vast majority of citizens are going about their business as normally as they can – and assisting other members of their community where possible.”
The council’s First Response team have been busy helping residents in desperate need.
In one case they were asked by Oldham Ambulance Control to assist a renal dialysis patient snowbound in Diggle, who was due to attend an appointment at Rochdale Hospital yesterday.
Market weekend victim of freeze
Chronicle Reader Travel’s two trips to Lincoln Christmas Market this weekend have been called off because the event has been cancelled.
Organisers took the decision on Wednesday because of the continuing bad weather. Snow has fallen in Lincolnshire for most of the week, with more snow predicted into the weekend.
City of Lincoln Council consulted the emergency services and highways before making the decision.
Rob Bradley from the council is in charge of safety at the event. He said: “It is with extreme regret that we have taken the decision to cancel the Lincoln Christmas Market this year.
“Safety is our absolute priority.
“Police advice is for people not to travel at all unless it is absolutely necessary.”
Chronicle Reader Travel manager, Frances Hirst, said: “This was out of our hands, I’m afraid, but all those who booked on the trips will be contacted and will receive a full refund as soon as we have processed the cheques.”
Buses hit
While main roads remain clear, buses are avoiding minor routes and estate roads.
Services affected in Oldham include the 231, 358, 24, 64, X82, X84, 83, 59, 81, 149, 184, 415, 425, 451, 452, 438, 350, 410 and 411.
Schools closed yesterday
Alexandra Park, Chadderton Hall, Christ Church, (Chadderton), Clarksfield, Delph, Diggle, East Crompton St George’s, East Crompton St James, Grange, Greenacres, Greenfield, Hey With Zion, Holy Rosary RC, Horton Mill, Kingfisher, Knowsley, Littlemoor, Newbridge, North Chadderton, Our Lady’s RC High, Richmond, Roundthorn, Saddleworth, South Failsworth, Springbrook, Springhead, St Anne’s RC, St Augustine’s RC, St Chad’s CE, St Edward’s RC, St Hugh’s CE, St Martin’s CE, St Mary’s CE, St Mary’s RC, Stoneleigh, Blue Coat, Hathershaw, Thorp, Watersheddings.
Schools closed today
Alt, Blackshaw Lane, Christ Church, (Chadderton), Clarksfield, Crompton House, Diggle, Delph, Glodwick, Greenacres, Greenfield, Hathershaw, Hey With Zion, Holy Cross, Holy Family, Kingsland, Kingfisher, Littlemoor, Limehurst, New Bridge, Radclyffe (after 1.10pm), Roundthorn, St Chad’s CE, St Edward’s RC, St Hugh’s CE St Thomas’s CE, Springhead
