Severe Weather Update - South Edinburgh

3.37.05pm GMT Tue 12th Jan 2010

As the thaw from the most significant winter snowfall that Edinburgh has experienced for 20 years begins the City Council has provided an update on progress in South Edinburgh.

Liberal Democrat City Transport Convenor Councillor Gordon Mackenzie said, "Gritters are continuing to put down salt 24 hours a day. In addition to the Category 1 and 2 roads, they are now working on residential areas (Category 3), giving highest priority to hills and junctions. With no snowfall since Saturday and new supplies of salt available, grit bins are also being refilled more frequently. The thaw is also making it easier for the compacted snow and ice to be cleared.

Liberton /Gilmerton Liberal Democrat Councillor Conor Snowden commented, "I want to thank all the council staff and local people who have been clearing snow and ice. I understand there have been 19 separate snowfalls since 16 December and this unprecedented snowfall has had a major impact."

SCHOOLS: All primary pupils were able to return to Buckstone Primary School on Monday although the nursery class did not re-open until Tuesday. No other schools in South Edinburgh have been closed this week.

CARE SERVICES: Care staff continue to proactively contact frail and vulnerable residents but report no significant increase in demand for care services. There are numerous examples of Council, voluntary organisations and local residents working together across the city to support those most in needs. Council Leader, Councillor Jenny Dawe has publicly praised all those involved for their continuing efforts

REFUSE COLLECTION: The Council has suspended Garden Waste Collection from Monday 11 January to allow efforts to be concentrated on clearing the excess domestic waste that has not been collected due to the severe weather. A major area of concern by residents is on-street communal bins. Street cleaning staff have been redeployed to deal with the excess waste that has accumulated around on-street communal bins (including Christmas trees), whilst the refuse collection service are attempting to catch up with our collections. Private environmental contractors have been deployed in Buckstone and Fairmilehead to clear the area for access by refuse vehicles.

Street cleaning staff and other environmental staff continue to be deployed to clear snow and ice in priority locations across the city. This includes monitoring of priority sites such as sheltered housing, schools, care homes and replenishing grit bins when empty. A team from the South Neighbourhood spent Monday and Tuesday clearing snow around shopping areas in Liberton Gilmerton Ward. There is still a lot to do and it is hoped that the private contractors brought in by the administration will start to have an impact in that area during the week.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS: Contingency plans have been developed for potential flooding and our road repair teams will be tasked to identify and repair any dangerous potholes which have been created. This will be part of a record level of investment the Council is putting into road repairs and maintenance this year.

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