Chiltern Ridges News By Tricia Birchley
Breathtaking though the Chilterns appear in the frost and snow, the weather has been at its most challenging for 50 years and necessitated implementing the emergency winter maintenance policy.
As I write updates are being circulated twice a day giving detailed information about salt stocks, gritting routes and temperatures – last night the lowest recorded here was minus 8.2°C.
The pressure is now on to re-stock salt bins, repair potholes, clear pavements and keep as many roads open as possible, with additional road gangs drafted in to help.
The number of vehicles using the roads once gritted is crucial. I have ensured that the Parish Councils have this information and liaised regularly with our highways officers to consider additional ways of supporting our rural road network.
Far from having a warmer climate as the Met Office suggests, the last two winters have been demonstrably colder!
Today whilst Frith Hill was open and side roads required care, trains were running and I saw children walking home from school, but it will be several days before life gets back to normal.
Thank you to everyone who emailed me your concerns which were passed on to our officers who have done a sterling job in difficult circumstances. I am pleased to say that thanks to their efforts all our vulnerable residents have received home care and ‘meals on wheels’.
Before Christmas the County Council again received an excellent assessment from the Audit Commission.
I am always available to raise your concerns at County Hall.