Time for volunteer “snow corps” to tackle ice and snow on our pavements?
Council workers, teachers and other public workers should join a Shropshire volunteer “snow corps” to help clear pavements if they cannot get to work on snow bound days.
Ludlow resident Andy Boddington says that he is fed up with slipping and sliding on ice because the town pavements are not cleared.
“Why do pedestrians have to struggle across ice bound pavements? Other counties get their pavements clear but its seems that Shropshire’s councils are only interested in clearing the roads.”
“We get this problem in Ludlow whenever it snows. A few town centre pavements are cleared. But key pedestrian routes around the town remain snow and ice bound, and the paths on side streets remain almost impassable. Pedestrians are forced to walk on the roads or risk slipping. Old people and the infirm are trapped in their homes. Unless they own a car, residents are treated as second class citizens.”
“I slipped myself in January, cracking three ribs. That’s a minor injury for a fit man, but every year other people suffer more serious injuries. There is no need for this to happen.”
The answer, Andy says, doesn’t require much money, it requires organisation and enthusiasm.
“Councils like Telford & Wrekin have teams of volunteer snow wardens clearing the streets. Dozens of other councils have similar schemes. Why don’t we get this going in Shropshire in time for next winter? I already clear and salt a length of Chestnut Grove where I live. I’d be happy to join a county snow warden scheme.”
Andy wants to go one step further with the scheme.
“A lot of public sector officials and teachers can’t get to work in the snow. Why not put some of that time to good effect? We should urge those that are fit to join the scheme. They should help keep our streets safe for the residents of Shropshire.”
