Gritters prepare as snowfall predicted

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HEAVY snowfall is predicted across the county tomorrow (Saturday) as this weekend is predicted to be the coldest of the winter so far.

Between two and five centimetres of snowfall is predicted to fall for several hours from 1pm on Saturday before turning to rain which is expected to persist until the early hours of Sunday morning.

Gritting teams are already set to hit the streets over the next 24 hours and will treat about 800 miles of road as temperatures drop below zero. They will then return to depots and be fixed with snow ploughs ready to head out again and clear roads from lunchtime.

As well as the roads, county council staff will be spreading salt in pedestrian areas across Redditch Town Centre early tomorrow morning before shops open for the day's trading.

It will be the first serious test of Worcestershire County Council's revised extreme weather procedures following heavy criticism from Redditch residents and councillors over the way the town was left cut-off during heavy snowfall in 2010.

Jon Fraser, the county council's customer response manager, said: "The MET Office are predicting the first real significant snowfall of the winter to hit Worcestershire tomorrow afternoon so we'll certainly be kept busy. It's expected to be very cold before and after the snowfall so, as is usually the case, we're asking motorists to take care and temper their driving according to the conditions.

"The simple message to everyone is to never assume it's safe to travel at normal speeds even if you think a road has been treated with salt."

West Midlands Ambulance Service is also warning people to take extra care, including wrapping up warm and wearing sensible footwear to help avoid unnecessary slips, trips and falls. People are also being urged to stay off frozen lakes and canals.

"If the weather does take a turn for the worse and you are travelling by road this weekend, make sure you allow extra time for your journey and be extra vigilant on icy roads. If it is a longer journey then take food such as chocolate and a warm drink with you," a spokeswoman said.

"People with existing medical conditions that can be aggravated by cold weather should stay warm and be prepared by making sure they have all their medications, saving any avoidable journeys.

"We also appeal for people to be aware of those who are elderly, frail or in some way vulnerable to this type of weather, be it friends, neighbours or relatives. Why not show some community spirit and ensure people in these categories do not have to go out and risk hurting themselves by getting in any essential supplies they might need?"