The council has admitted failings in its response to the winter’s snow and ice and vowed to do better next year.
A report submitted to the performance and scrutiny committee blamed a new grit contract for the authority finding itself low on salt, together with the long spell of severe weather and a national grit shortage.
The review, which was presented to councillors on Monday, included recommendations to look at:
Councillors from all political parties had agreed to set up the investigation after a massive number of complaints from the public about the state of the roads during December and January.
Many residents were unable to leave their homes for weeks because of the dangers of the ice, particularly on side streets in residential areas.
Cllr Irene Davidson, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: "I’m sure no one will argue that we were faced with extreme conditions, of the kind we’ve not seen for nearly 30 years. Our staff worked really hard and did the best they could, but we’re fully aware that many residents were unhappy with the service we provided. This review will help us to take a look at our priorities and assess whether they need altering ahead of next winter."
The report concludes: "The unusually severe winter weather which Rochdale experienced was at a time of change in the first year of a new contract relationship. Negotiations were still ongoing regarding future grit storage options. The severe weather further interrupted these negotiations, leaving the authority low on salt with difficulty in mitigating this position. The national shortage of salt stocks prevented alternative supplies of salt being readily available and this situation continues. Issues relating to the routes, location of grit bins and communications need re-examining. An action plan with dates and responsibilities to officers will be prepared to ensure better preparedness for next winter."
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C Serle, Heywood (18/02/2010 at 10:39)
Will anyone take responsibility now and resign?
David W., Heywood (18/02/2010 at 15:12)
Highways Act 1980 (as amended September 2003) section 41
Section 41 of the Act places a statutory duty on Highway Authorities to
Maintain public maintainable highways.
1.4. An amendment to Section 41 was made 2003, coming into force on 10 September 2003. The following sub-section was added:-
“(1A) In particular, a highway authority is under a duty to ensure, so far, as is reasonably practicable, that safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow and ice.”
1.5. The duty is not however to simply clear snow and ice. The wording of the
Amendment puts a duty on the highway authority to ensure snow or ice does not endanger safe passage. Therefore, preventative gritting falls within this new duty.
Give the service back to those who know what they are doing!!
Shytorque, Heywood (21/02/2010 at 18:50)
Not a bit of grit on the main road through Heywood at 0700 am Sunday morning when I was on my way to work .!!!!!
Disgusted Heywood resident of 40 yrs .