With warnings that severe cold weather is set to grip the UK in the coming weeks, Hammersmith & Fulham Council is already prepared for snow and ice.

The borough has a full stock pile of 900 tonnes of grit ready and new footpath gritting machines to help keep H&F’s roads clear and keep the borough moving.

And to keep residents up to date with weather forecasts and news of what is happening in the borough, they can sign up for a snow update email alerts. The alerts will keep residents informed about school closures and any council services that might be affected by bad weather, such as snow and freezing conditions, and how the council is working to keep the roads clear by gritting major roads.

Residents can sign up by visiting Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s dedicated snow web page, www.lbhf.gov.uk/snow, where there is useful information on council services. Information will also be available on Twitter – http://twitter.com/lbhf.

The council will prioritise the most frequently used highways and footpaths, making sure they are gritted and cleared, but is calling on residents to do their bit to help. They can now clear snow and ice from their paths and pavements, and those of their neighbours, without worrying that they could be liable if someone slips and injures themselves.

The government is reassuring people that there is little chance of them being sued so long as they acted ‘reasonably’ under the guidance of the government’s recently published ‘snow code’. You can see the full snow code on the Directgov website.

Councillor Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “We are fully prepared for snow and cold weather – we have a full stock of grit and excellent planning that will keep the roads clear, schools open and council services running. Now that residents can help clear pavements outside their doors without fear of reprisals, that will also help.

“Hammersmith & Fulham endured some terrible conditions last winter but, thanks to the efforts and resilience of our staff and residents, together we made sure the borough kept on working and running smoothly. This year will be no different and we will do all we can so that it remains business as usual in H&F when the snow starts to fall.”

For more information visit the council’s website, www.lbhf.gov.uk/snow, and the government’s snow code, http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_174618.

November 24, 2010