Published: Wednesday, 6th January, 2010 1:19pm
Cold snap grips area
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By Ewan McInnes
THE big freeze sweeping across Barrhead is causing mayhem in the town.
Sub-zero temperatures are wreaking havoc as residents struggle to even get out the house.
And with streets covered in snow and ice East Renfrewshire Council has suffered a major shortage of grit.
As the Barrhead News went to press yesterday (Tuesday), the council was expecting the delivery of 200 tonnes of grit and the same amount again today at their depot in Thornliebank.
Before this week's expected delivery the council had already used 300 tonnes of grit across East Renfrewshire since the severe weather kicked in just prior to Christmas - normally it would use only half that amount.
A council spokesman told the Barrhead News they have had to treat main roads and the paths around schools as a priority when gritting, with weather experts warning the Baltic conditions are showing no sign of letting up.
He added: "We have had representations from residents throughout the area and we have had to explain that we are concentrating on the main roads and the areas around schools because of restricted supplies of road salt.
"Residents are advised to take care and we will grit other parts of the area as soon as is possible."
The conditions in the town have been so severe that, as out pictures show, the Dams to Darnley have been completely frozen for the first time in more than 20 years.
And the council is warning people not to step foot on the ice at the reservoir because although it appears thick, it is actually unstable and a death trap.
Dams to Darnley Country Park joint committee convener Councillor Tony Buchanan said: "I appeal to everyone to be extra careful and not to venture on to the ice.
"Keep to paths as usual and always keep safety first to the front of your mind. Enjoy the park which looks magnificent in this weather but keep off the ice."
Thousands of schoolkids throughout the area were due back in school yesterday with only St Angela's Primary in Darnley unable to open because of the weather.
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Heather Weir
(Unregistered User)
Jan 12 10 10:01
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I understand that the council have to prioritise gritting, but it was a bit ridiculous. It's been freezing and snowing for three weeks now - you'd think they'd be able to get round more than 6 streets in Barrhead!
William Y
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Jan 12 10 10:03
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There are people all round my area that are old and ill and not once did I see any member of the council gritting team about here. It's all very well talking about prioritising, but we pay our taxes like everyone else.
J Simpson
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Jan 12 10 10:04
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It's so bad up here that I had to go to Tesco and buy cooking salt - I have to get to work somehow.
Tom McD
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Jan 12 10 10:07
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It's not fair to keep critisicing the council. I know they way they've handled this has been pretty terrible, but every other council in the country is the same. What we need is for people to take a bit of initiative and help their neighbours out. Get their messages in and see if you can help clear their paths. If the council won't do it, then we will.
Janet
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Jan 12 10 10:11
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The snow has been predicted for weeks and the council knew it was coming just like we did. Like Tom said, people need to help each other, but my mother sprained a wrist after she slipped on the ice and is now terrified to go back outside until it clears. Lucky for us, she's got some nice neighbours but what about the people who live in fields here, or who don't know who lives next door?
The whole thing is ridiculous.
Henry K
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Jan 12 10 10:14
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Ha. This is not Moscow - although the people there seemed better equipped to deal with things than we are. It snows for a couple of weeks and the entire place comes to a standstill. The council and government needs to better prepared and the public transport system needs to be dragged out of the fifties and brought up to date. Frozen lines and nothing running? What do you expect when there's not even a button to close the door?!!
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