Published: Wednesday, 6th January, 2010 1:19pm

Cold snap grips area

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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