CHESHIRE EAST LIBERAL DEMOCRATS CALL FOR A REVIEW OF GRITTING ROADS AND FOOTWAYS

7.09.44pm GMT Sat 27th Feb 2010

The current winter gritting schedules were adopted by Cheshire County Council in 2005 after a number of milder than average winters. We are currently experiencing one of the harshest winters for many years.

Cheshire East Liberal Democrat Councillors, in the light of problems experienced, call for a complete review and the adoption of a policy suited to Cheshire East Unitary Council. Congleton and Macclesfield normally have heavier falls of snow than Chester and Ellesmere Port do. Currently only bus routes which have 4 or more buses per hour between 6.00am and 9.00am qualify for gritting. This excludes most rural and many urban routes. Also whilst secondary schools qualify, primary schools do not, and many concerns have been expressed about this anomaly.

Also clearer guidance is required on foot-ways and car parks and areas where elderly people may live. There was a significant increase in people arriving at Accident and Emergency departments after falling during the worst weather and many of them were elderly.

Some foot-ways in Town Centres were treated eventually but some car parks never were! One of the promises made when Cheshire East Council was being set up was that district and county services would be combined and give better value for money.

Cheshire East Liberal Democrats want to see a clear fair policy which keeps the highways running and citizens safe in freezing weather conditions.

Ainsley Arnold Rod.Fletcher.

Leader Cheshire East Liberal Democrats. Deputy Leader.