Another cold snap is upon us, Kingsbridge Town Council is seeking more local residents to join our “Winter Weather Self-Help Scheme”. Please read the below Guide to see what the commitment is.

Kingsbridge Winter Weather Self Help Scheme – A ‘Pocket Guide’ for Volunteers

Introduction.  Devon County Council’s (DCC) programme of winter service (i.e. roads which are cleared with snow ploughs and/or salted) focuses on the major routes which carry most traffic and communities like Kingsbridge don’t receive as much help as we would like.

Town commitment.  Following the severe winter of 2010/2011 a self-help initiative was launched which Kingsbridge Town Council (KTC) registered for.  This is about communities coming together to help each other on a voluntary basis during times of extreme weather.

Salting.  DCC has supplied KTC with a supply of salt in 25kg bags for use on the public highway only (including footways and footpaths) but not areas treated by the defined salting network i.e. the A379 and Fore Street.  South Hams District Council manages off-street car parks, the town square and bus station.

Grit bins.  There are 10 grit bins in the town located at:  Buckwell Road, Coronation Road, Duncombe Park, Higher Union Road, Highfield Drive, Saffron Park, Stentiford Hill, Warren Road, Washabrook Lane and West Alvington Hill.  This represents a 100% increase from 2010 and they are all filled with salt and scoops in readiness for extreme weather.

Snow Warden.  The Snow Warden is the point of contact between the local community and DCC, the co-ordinator of the voluntary self help scheme, and will provide training to volunteers.

Training.  The Snow Warden will advise volunteers how salting should be carried out in a safe and responsible manner e.g. only a light covering of salt is required per square metre!

Public liability.  In the unlikely event of a claim, DCC will cover the public liability aspect of insurance for voluntary work on the public highway or footway, providing it is undertaken in a safe manner.  DCC will not provide any other form of insurance cover for this activity which must be undertaken at the volunteers’ own risk.  For example, any damage to one’s own person, property or vehicle would not be covered.

Dos and Don’ts for volunteers:

  • Do dry store bags of salt and safeguard from watercourses at your home.
  • Do wear fluorescent waistcoats supplied to ensure high visibility when working.
  • Do wear waterproof/warm clothing when working including suitable footwear.
  • Do take extreme care when working particularly when salting the road itself and if possible
    buddy-up with someone who may be used as a lookout.
  • Do carry out some light stretching exercises before working.
  • Do carry a mobile phone.
  • Do have a flask of hot soup or some chocolate bars.
  • Do not salt during hours of partial or full darkness.
  • Do not take any unnecessary risks.
  • Do not salt private driveways or footways.
  • Do not continue to work should you begin to feel cold or wet.

Slippery and icy conditions make it much more likely that people will stumble and fall possibly damaging ligaments, muscles or tendons.  The initial treatment is the RICE procedure: Rest the injured part, apply Ice or a cold pad to the injured area, Comfortably support the injury using a bandage or soft padding, Elevate the injured part.  Any questions???  do not hesitate to contact the Snow Warden.

Martin Johnson, Kingsbridge Snow Warden, Kingsbridge Town Council, Quay House, Ilbert Road, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1DZ or 01548.853296 or clerk@kingsbridge.gov.uk

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