Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Call for public to 'do more' in cold weather
OK, this comes all the way from Scotland, but that doesn't mean it doesn't apply here. I thought the point about looking after our older neighbours was an important one.
The head of the Scottish council group Cosla has called on the public to do more in the fight against snow and ice. Convention of Scottish Local Authorities chief executive, Pat Watter, said council workers were doing their best to plough and salt roads, but added 'It would help if people tried to do a bit more themselves'. In an interview on BBC Scotland, Mr Watters said: 'For instance, I always do the bit of pavement in front of my own house, I do my own driveway to make sure I can get my car in and out.'
He also warned that it was an 'extremely hard' time for the elderly and said they could struggle if on their own.
Dave Etheridge, deputy chief fire officer for Oxfordshire, said 'I'd ask residents who live near older people, or those with physical or other support needs, to pay them a visit tonight and let them know you're there.'
Heavy snow fell on the northwest yesterday and conditions made their way south overnight leaving many counties blanketed.
The military was called in to rescue thousands of motorists from the A3 in Hampshire and more than 2000 schools have closed across the UK.
The Met Office predicts at least a further week of sub zero temperatures with more snow to come and many councils are running low on spreading salt.
The Salt Union mine in Cheshire is working around the clock to fulfill its commitments to authorities.
Tags for Forum Posts: older people, snow
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Malcolm on
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Funnily enough I was joking with someone yesterday about the frantic scenes in the salt mines of Cheshire, where we send the political prisoners.
I had no idea it was true...
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Absolutely agree - if you're able bodied then get out and clear the path in front of your house. With a bit of salt spread first it only takes about 15 minutes and makes the world of difference.
I'm pleased that at least 5 people on Hewitt Road have done it - let's hope more do.
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Permalink Reply by PeterPiper on
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I'm quite happy to do this, but where do I stand regarding liability if someone should subsequently fall down and injure themselves.
Could LBH reassure anybody, who is public spirited and clears the snow from the pavement outside their property, that they will be indemnified for any subsequent accidents occuring on the footpath outside their property? They could announce it on their webpage regarding the gritting etc.
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Permalink Reply by John McMullan on
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Oh Peter, stop this. The passage is perfectly safe!
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Think about this for a minute - why would clearing snow expose you to any liability that you don't already have?
You're not liable if people fall over on the street. Full stop. Haringey may be depending on circumstances.
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Permalink Reply by pamish on
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Many othe countries make it a legal requirement to clear the snow from in front of your own house. I know Germany + some USA states do. It would be good if it was not necessary to use the law. I cleared mine and the neighbours either side. Was hoping to see it link up with others along the road but so far mine is the only little cleared patch. Pah.
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I went to do mine tonight but it's actually ok except where it's bare ice. Still scrunching like proper snow. I was a little surprised at how much salt seemed to be needed, or did I do it wrong?
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I found I didn't need that much salt - just enough to sink through the ice to loosen it. Then it chips up in big blocks.
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PS what does all that salt do in the run-off? Can't do much good to the quality of the drain water. I suppose if it's going straight out to sea it's not a problem, but if its having to be treated first, or going into the Thames frist?
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Permalink Reply by Liz on
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Peter may have a point. Read this carefully to ensure you are not held liable Is it your civic duty to clear the snow?
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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on
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Several residents have raised this issue.
● There's a brief discussion on the point on John Redwood's website.
● And here's a legal posting called: "Is it wise to remove the snow from the pavement outside your homes?
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N.B. (Though can I make it clear that neither I nor the lawyer accept any legal liability whatsoever for the comments posted, which you read entirely at your own risk :-)
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