Andy D'Agorne

Following the heavy snow last winter a council scrutiny looked a the whole issue of how best to keep roads and paths in a safe condition. I registered to speak (as cycle champion) and argued that it was unacceptable for the council to take the view that side roads, footpaths and cycle tracks could be left for days and even weeks in a dangerous slippery state. In particular I said that the Millennium Bridge which is a major cycle and pedestrian route between east and west York could not be just left as a skating rink. The engineers insisted nothing could be done, as being a steel structure salt would damage the bridge! However I am pleased to report that it has finally been agreed that a special mix CAN be used and the route is now a priority 1 cycle route in the winter maintenance policy. At full council on Thursday I commented that at least a narrow path had been cleared of snow across the bridge (later I learnt this was done by a Sustrans employee not the council!) On Saturday morning I was amazed to find that the council had managed to completely clear the bridge, with the aid of a machine. However the path from the end of the bridge to Maple Grove was still packed snow! I therefore determined to rectify the situation, using grit from the ward funded grit bin at the end of Maple Grove. Later that day I returned with a shovel to remove the loosened snow - a couple of hours work, but I felt it was worth it to know that a cycle route had been restored to a passable state.

Snow wardens in Sheffield are doing this kind of service on a more organised basis - if we are to have more proper winters again for the next few years this should be something organised in every community. And before you suggest that community action risks people being sued, you might want to check the government advice on this at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_191868

Clear the snow or ice early in the day

It’s easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath. You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.