Council set to recruit Neighbourhood Snow Wardens
Telford & Wrekin Council is set to recruit a team of 50 community volunteers to become Neighbourhood Snow Wardens to support the council’s efforts to help keep untreated roads and footpaths free of ice and snow this winter.
The volunteer Neighbourhood Snow Wardens will help clear roads and pavements and spread salt in their local area. They will also be given a brief summary of the council’s Winter Maintenance Policy and an insight into how weather forecasting works.
The Council is looking for community groups or individual volunteers from areas routinely treated as part of the council’s normal winter maintenance routes. Telford & Wrekin Council already treats a higher proportion of roads than many other councils.
The volunteer wardens will receive training from the council and will be given a summary of the council’s winter maintenance policy and given an insight into how weather forecasting works.
As well as the training they will also be issued with, equipment and covered by the council’s insurance. They will be risk assessed and, when the weather demands, will be sent one tonne bags of salt to use to improve local roads.
To register your interest in becoming a Neighbourhood Snow Warden visit www.telford.gov.uk/snowwardens or telephone 01952 384000.
Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Co-operative Council, said: “As a co-operative council we really encourage and support the community to get involved in many different ways. The Neighbourhood snow warden initiative will provide extra help and support in places where it is most needed.
“This is over and above our current winter service but it will make a difference to local roads not on our gritting routes as well as footpaths.
“We have a continuous flow of new people coming forward to offer their time and looking for opportunities to volunteer.
“We will also work with local businesses if they want to do their bit for the local community."
“Other councils are trialling similar initiatives and the main objective will be to direct snow clearing volunteers and identifying minor roads, cul de sacs and other places where the council does not treat for snow and ice.
“The launch of the Neighbourhood Snow Wardens scheme is yet another example of a Co-operative Council in action.”
