Winter Weather

News Article

24/01/2013

The latest MET Office prediction for the week ahead is for continuing icy conditions, and we are fully prepared. 

Click here for the latest forecast from the Met Office

Residents are being asked to regularly check our website and follow @readingcouncil on twitter for the very latest information.

Bins

Significant snowfall on Friday January 18 and the continuing freezing conditions since then mean bin collection crews have been unable to access some roads who were scheduled to have bin collections since this time.

We are working hard to collect missed bins as soon as it becomes possible for bin lorries to access the roads safely. We would ask residents affected to leave missed bins out for collection and thank them for their patience, we hope to be back to our normal collection schedule by Monday (28th).

Roads

The Council has been out gritting all Primary routes, and where necessary Secondary routes, everyday since Sunday 13 January. Based on the current weather forecast, there is a strong likelihood that roads will continue to be gritted throughout the week.

We currently have 998 tonnes of salt and more on the way.

Click here for more information on Winter Road treatment, which includes a list and map of all Primary and Secondary Routes

Click here for current travel updates from Reading Buses about Reading services

Pavements

The on-going freezing conditions and the possibility of further snowfall means pavements are hazardous in places. We would ask residents to take extra care and allow for extra time when planning their journeys.

In these conditions, the Council prioritises gritting for areas with the highest footfall. Pavement ploughs continue to be on stand by and to date have been used to clear key locations like Caversham and Reading bridges, town centre bus stops and around Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Council staff have been re-deployed and pavements cleared to date by these staff include:

1) Perimeter of Royal Berkshire Hospital
2) Sheltered Housing Footpaths
3) Reading Train Station Frontage
4) Town centre Bus Stops
5) Queens Walk
6) Castle Hill footpath
7) Whitley Shopping precinct
8) Southcote Shopping precinct

The Council will continue to re-deploying staff as necessary to help clear snow from key locations.

A total of 17 4 X 4 vehicles continue to be used to and help elderly or vulnerable residents and have been out and about delivering meals on wheels across the borough. More than 150 miles worth of 4 X 4 visits have been made to date.

There are links at the bottom of this page that will also take you to information on the national ‘Keep Warm, Keep Well’ campaign for tips on keeping warm during winter weather.