2 replies to this topic

[Vanda]

COMMUNITY groups and parish councils are showing their grit and determination to keep people moving this winter by snapping up innovative salt spreaders.
Shire Hall bosses are offering parish councils and community groups the new contraptions, which are designed to be pushed along pavements while they simultaneously distribute salt and grit.
Groups need to stump up £103, which is then matched by the county council, to purchase the spreader, and once it is delivered all salt is supplied free of charge by the council.
Severe
Jim Hunt, chairman of Brockworth Parish Council, has ordered one for the area in anticipation of another crippling cold snap.
He said: "We are geared up for the winter. Not only do we have a spreader, but we have a plough, too. We will only be using the spreader in the worst-affected areas such as Court Road and Vicarage Road in only severe conditions."
Lydney Town Council has also volunteered to spread salt on pavements to help clear snow and ice and the county council has provided the salt and guidance. Bill Osborne, of Lydney Town Council, said: "This is a two-way venture – the county council supplies the salt and we supply the manpower."
The spreaders are being made available by the council as part of its Big Community Offer.
While it will continue to provide essential services like serious road repairs, gully cleaning, winter maintenance and street lighting, community groups like parish and town councils and residents' associations can work with the council to get extra services.
The council has allocated up to £500,000 to the scheme.
Councillor Will Windsor-Clive (Con. Newent), cabinet member for communities, which includes highways, said: "This is a move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and it gives communities the chance to boost the standard services to get the best for their local area."
In Matson last week, fears were raised over thefts from salt bins during a cold snap.
http://www.thisisglo...tail/story.html

[doughnut]

Wouldn't it be great if you could 'obtain' one of the snow-blower type of machine... Think of the fun you could have with it!

[Barry Kirby]

thats not quite true though is it, we are not supplementing the standard service, they are recucing the service and we are having to stump up to make it back to what it was. Either way its nto savingt he tax payer anything, its more akin to creative accounting