Post by Bugs on Dec 13, 2010 13:31:16 GMT
Important Alerts and Reminders
Roads, Footpaths and Weather Update Mon 13th Dec 13:00hrs
13 Dec 2010
Roads -Footpaths and Weather Update
Monday 13th December 2010 13:00hrs
Northern Area covering Berwick – Alnwick – Rothbury – Morpeth areas.
All primary and secondary routes are now open.
Hedgeley Bridge at Powburn on the A697 is now OPEN
Primary routes over high ground will be treated tonight and tomorrow morning as there is a risk of a hoar frost forming when roads are below freezing.
There is a risk of ice patches in places on roads and footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the highway or footpath.
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Please be aware of conditions and drive accordingly.
Western Area covering Ponteland – Haltwhistle – Hexham – Stocksfield Prudhoe areas.
All primary and secondary routes are now open.
Primary routes over high ground in the Tyne Valley will be treated tonight and tomorrow morning as there is a risk of a hoar frost forming when roads are below freezing.
There is a risk of ice patches in places on roads and footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the highway or footpath.
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Please be aware of conditions and drive accordingly.
South East Area covering Ashington –Stakeford – Newbiggin – Lynemouth- Bedlington – Blyth – Cramlington – Seaton Delaval areas.
All primary and secondary routes are now open.
There is a risk of some ice patches on roads and footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the highway or footpath.
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Please be aware of conditions and drive accordingly.
Forecast
Monday night
Mostly cloudy and showers are likely to affect some eastern parts of the region, especially near to the coast. Light winds.
There is a risk of hoar frost forming at times overnight in the high ground when roads are below freezing. A low risk of ice locally towards dawn over the higher ground if any clear spells develop after light patchy rain, but most places will remain dry.
Reporting Problem areas
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Salt/Grit Bin Information
Reports have been received of salt/grit misuse in some areas please remember the salt/grit bin has been provided for the sole purpose of treating public areas, public highways and footpaths.
Misuse of the salt/grit can lead to unnecessary shortages this can cause a danger to pedestrians and motorists.
Grit bins are provided at selected steep hills and sharp bends particularly those which are exposed sites where routine gritting is not undertaken.
Requests for the provision of grit bins will be assessed against justification criteria which limit them to areas where they are most needed.
To request a salt/grit bin contact 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk
Grit bins provided will be filled prior to the start of the winter and replenished as necessary. Bins will be left in place throughout the year except at locations of particular sensitivity. Damaged bins will be replaced as and when required.
Where resources allow, the bins will be replenished with a grit/salt combination during the winter for use by the public on a self help basis but the grit/salt mix should not be used for treating private property it is provided for use on public footpaths and highways only.
To request a salt/grit bin re-fill or report damage to the bin or misuse of salt/grit contact 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk
Safety Information
• If you must drive check the Highway Code for advice on driving in ice and snowy weather.
• Take care around ploughs and gritters. Don't be tempted to overtake. Slow down — it can take 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions, so allow extra room.
• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
• Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking and acceleration.
• If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and avoid braking.
• If braking is necessary, pump the brakes don't slam them on.
• If you get stuck, stay with your car and tie something brightly coloured to your aerial.
If you have to make a journey, make sure you have warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade, and let someone know when you expect to arrive and your route. Try to wait until the roads have been gritted before travelling.
To get all the latest information on England’s motorways and trunk roads:
• Visit the Highways Agency website: www.highways.gov.uk/traffic
• Download the Highways Agency iPhone app or access the mobile website www.highways.gov.uk/mobile
• For information on weather conditions, consult the Met Office: www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio broadcasts
• For advice to individuals on clearing pavements consult the Direct Gov website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_191868
School Closures
For a full list of school closures please use the following link to Northumberland County Council website: www.northumberland.gov.uk
Pedestrian information
There is a risk of ice on all footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the footpath.
Be a good neighbour
Please make sure that your elderly and/or disabled neighbours are safe and well during the cold spell, especially if they are housebound. It only takes a few minutes to pop around for a chat, pick up shopping and check they are getting at lease one hot meal a day.
It’s often the people most at risk from cold weather who are least willing to ask for help, possibly because they don’t want to be seen as a burden.
Make the first move in checking on vulnerable friends and neighbours during cold weather:
• check on them regularly to make sure they’re safe and well
• make sure they're warm enough, especially at night
• stock up on food and medicines
If there is an emergency, always dial 999. However, if it isn’t an emergency you may want to contact your GP, a local pharmacy or NHS Direct.
If you find when you visit that someone has a serious problem, and needs more than simple neighbourly help, you can contact Adult Care services, on 01670 536400.
Travel Information
Flights from Newcastle
For anyone due to fly from Newcastle airport the following link will provide information on any current disruption to flight schedules: www.newcastleairport.com/flightinformation/ArrivalsDepartures.htm
Be aware of weather conditions and allow plenty time to drive safely to the airport.
Train User Information
If you are due to travel by train the following link will provide an update on any current disruption to train schedules: www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/today.htm
iphone
You can download the free Northumberland County Council iphone app from the following link which has this information and much more:
www.northumberland.gov.uk/iphone
Social Networking Sites
Rather than assume that you will always come to our website, we are now using the most popular social networking websites to keep you informed about local issues that may have an impact; such as school and road closures.
The link below will provide you with further information: www.northumberland.gov.uk/Default.aspx
Service 322
13 Dec 2010
Service 322 from Hepscott to Morpeth School cannot currently serve Stobhill Manor due to the weather.
IT ISSUE: Disrupted access to NCC Email and Internet
13 Dec 2010
Between 19:00 & 20:00 tonight there will disrupted access to NCC email and Internet from various NCC establishments.
This is to allow for the installation of a firewall at County Hall to improve network security.Please note this does not affect either Pegswood / West Hartford fire stations, schools’ curriculum access, or any users at County Hall. We apologise for any inconvenience.
IT ISSUE: Scam emails
13 Dec 2010
Please be aware there is a scam email circulating as follows. We would never ask for email details in this way. If anyone has replied to this email they should contact the help desk immediately and log a call.
From: Information Technology Services [mailto:suppt@web.net]
Sent: 11 December 2010 06:40
Subject: System Admin
Dear customer.
We have recently upgrade our site with a new E-mail Quota. And we notice
you are currently running on low space due to hidden files and folder on your mailbox. In addition to the default allocations everyone has the ability to
increase their email quota, in increments of. 10 GB. To have your quota
increased you must enter your valid account details as requested below.:
Full Name;
Email Username;
Email Password;
Confirm Password;
Your Phone number;
Failure to confirm your e-mail may result in loss of important information in your mailbox or cause limited
access to it.
If you get this email please delete and delete from your deleted items.
Roads - Footpaths and Weather Update Monday 13th Dec 07:30hrs
13 Dec 2010
Roads -Footpaths and Weather Update
Monday 13th December 2010 07:30hrs
Northern Area covering Berwick – Alnwick – Rothbury – Morpeth areas.
All main and secondary routes are now open.
Hedgeley Bridge at Powburn on the A697 is now OPEN
There is a risk of ice on all roads and footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the highway or footpath.
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Please be aware of conditions and drive accordingly.
Western Area covering Ponteland – Haltwhistle – Hexham – Stocksfield Prudhoe areas.
All main and secondary routes are now open.
There is a risk of ice on all roads and footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the highway or footpath.
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Please be aware of conditions and drive accordingly.
South East Area covering Ashington –Stakeford – Newbiggin – Lynemouth- Bedlington – Blyth – Cramlington – Seaton Delaval areas.
All main and secondary routes are now open.
There is a risk of ice on all roads and footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the highway or footpath.
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Please be aware of conditions and drive accordingly.
Forecast
Monday
Cloudy at times but most places should see a few bright or sunny spells. Many areas will stay dry but showers will affect some south eastern parts of the county.
Monday night
Mostly cloudy and showers are likely to affect some eastern parts of the region, especially near to the coast. Light winds.
Reporting Problem areas
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Salt/Grit Bin Information
Reports have been received of salt/grit misuse in some areas please remember the salt/grit bin has been provided for the sole purpose of treating public areas, public highways and footpaths.
Misuse of the salt/grit can lead to unnecessary shortages this can cause a danger to pedestrians and motorists.
Grit bins are provided at selected steep hills and sharp bends particularly those which are exposed sites where routine gritting is not undertaken.
Requests for the provision of grit bins will be assessed against justification criteria which limit them to areas where they are most needed.
To request a salt/grit bin contact 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk
Grit bins provided will be filled prior to the start of the winter and replenished as necessary. Bins will be left in place throughout the year except at locations of particular sensitivity. Damaged bins will be replaced as and when required.
Where resources allow, the bins will be replenished with a grit/salt combination during the winter for use by the public on a self help basis but the grit/salt mix should not be used for treating private property it is provided for use on public footpaths and highways only.
To request a salt/grit bin re-fill or report damage to the bin or misuse of salt/grit contact 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk
Safety Information
• If you must drive check the Highway Code for advice on driving in ice and snowy weather.
• Take care around ploughs and gritters. Don't be tempted to overtake. Slow down — it can take 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions, so allow extra room.
• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
• Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking and acceleration.
• If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and avoid braking.
• If braking is necessary, pump the brakes don't slam them on.
• If you get stuck, stay with your car and tie something brightly coloured to your aerial.
If you have to make a journey, make sure you have warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade, and let someone know when you expect to arrive and your route. Try to wait until the roads have been gritted before travelling.
To get all the latest information on England’s motorways and trunk roads:
• Visit the Highways Agency website: www.highways.gov.uk/traffic
• Download the Highways Agency iPhone app or access the mobile website www.highways.gov.uk/mobile
• For information on weather conditions, consult the Met Office: www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio broadcasts
• For advice to individuals on clearing pavements consult the Direct Gov website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_191868
School Closures
For a full list of school closures please use the following link to Northumberland County Council website: www.northumberland.gov.uk
Pedestrian information
There is a risk of ice on all footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the footpath.
Be a good neighbour
Please make sure that your elderly and/or disabled neighbours are safe and well during the cold spell, especially if they are housebound. It only takes a few minutes to pop around for a chat, pick up shopping and check they are getting at lease one hot meal a day.
It’s often the people most at risk from cold weather who are least willing to ask for help, possibly because they don’t want to be seen as a burden.
Make the first move in checking on vulnerable friends and neighbours during cold weather:
• check on them regularly to make sure they’re safe and well
• make sure they're warm enough, especially at night
• stock up on food and medicines
If there is an emergency, always dial 999. However, if it isn’t an emergency you may want to contact your GP, a local pharmacy or NHS Direct.
If you find when you visit that someone has a serious problem, and needs more than simple neighbourly help, you can contact Adult Care services, on 01670 536400.
Travel Information
Flights from Newcastle
For anyone due to fly from Newcastle airport the following link will provide information on any current disruption to flight schedules: www.newcastleairport.com/flightinformation/ArrivalsDepartures.htm
Be aware of weather conditions and allow plenty time to drive safely to the airport.
Train User Information
If you are due to travel by train the following link will provide an update on any current disruption to train schedules: www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/today.htm
iphone
You can download the free Northumberland County Council iphone app from the following link which has this information and much more:
www.northumberland.gov.uk/iphone
Social Networking Sites
Rather than assume that you will always come to our website, we are now using the most popular social networking websites to keep you informed about local issues that may have an impact; such as school and road closures.
The link below will provide you with further information: www.northumberland.gov.uk/Default.aspx
Roads, Footpaths and Weather Update Mon 13th Dec 13:00hrs
13 Dec 2010
Roads -Footpaths and Weather Update
Monday 13th December 2010 13:00hrs
Northern Area covering Berwick – Alnwick – Rothbury – Morpeth areas.
All primary and secondary routes are now open.
Hedgeley Bridge at Powburn on the A697 is now OPEN
Primary routes over high ground will be treated tonight and tomorrow morning as there is a risk of a hoar frost forming when roads are below freezing.
There is a risk of ice patches in places on roads and footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the highway or footpath.
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Please be aware of conditions and drive accordingly.
Western Area covering Ponteland – Haltwhistle – Hexham – Stocksfield Prudhoe areas.
All primary and secondary routes are now open.
Primary routes over high ground in the Tyne Valley will be treated tonight and tomorrow morning as there is a risk of a hoar frost forming when roads are below freezing.
There is a risk of ice patches in places on roads and footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the highway or footpath.
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Please be aware of conditions and drive accordingly.
South East Area covering Ashington –Stakeford – Newbiggin – Lynemouth- Bedlington – Blyth – Cramlington – Seaton Delaval areas.
All primary and secondary routes are now open.
There is a risk of some ice patches on roads and footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the highway or footpath.
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Please be aware of conditions and drive accordingly.
Forecast
Monday night
Mostly cloudy and showers are likely to affect some eastern parts of the region, especially near to the coast. Light winds.
There is a risk of hoar frost forming at times overnight in the high ground when roads are below freezing. A low risk of ice locally towards dawn over the higher ground if any clear spells develop after light patchy rain, but most places will remain dry.
Reporting Problem areas
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Salt/Grit Bin Information
Reports have been received of salt/grit misuse in some areas please remember the salt/grit bin has been provided for the sole purpose of treating public areas, public highways and footpaths.
Misuse of the salt/grit can lead to unnecessary shortages this can cause a danger to pedestrians and motorists.
Grit bins are provided at selected steep hills and sharp bends particularly those which are exposed sites where routine gritting is not undertaken.
Requests for the provision of grit bins will be assessed against justification criteria which limit them to areas where they are most needed.
To request a salt/grit bin contact 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk
Grit bins provided will be filled prior to the start of the winter and replenished as necessary. Bins will be left in place throughout the year except at locations of particular sensitivity. Damaged bins will be replaced as and when required.
Where resources allow, the bins will be replenished with a grit/salt combination during the winter for use by the public on a self help basis but the grit/salt mix should not be used for treating private property it is provided for use on public footpaths and highways only.
To request a salt/grit bin re-fill or report damage to the bin or misuse of salt/grit contact 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk
Safety Information
• If you must drive check the Highway Code for advice on driving in ice and snowy weather.
• Take care around ploughs and gritters. Don't be tempted to overtake. Slow down — it can take 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions, so allow extra room.
• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
• Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking and acceleration.
• If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and avoid braking.
• If braking is necessary, pump the brakes don't slam them on.
• If you get stuck, stay with your car and tie something brightly coloured to your aerial.
If you have to make a journey, make sure you have warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade, and let someone know when you expect to arrive and your route. Try to wait until the roads have been gritted before travelling.
To get all the latest information on England’s motorways and trunk roads:
• Visit the Highways Agency website: www.highways.gov.uk/traffic
• Download the Highways Agency iPhone app or access the mobile website www.highways.gov.uk/mobile
• For information on weather conditions, consult the Met Office: www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio broadcasts
• For advice to individuals on clearing pavements consult the Direct Gov website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_191868
School Closures
For a full list of school closures please use the following link to Northumberland County Council website: www.northumberland.gov.uk
Pedestrian information
There is a risk of ice on all footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the footpath.
Be a good neighbour
Please make sure that your elderly and/or disabled neighbours are safe and well during the cold spell, especially if they are housebound. It only takes a few minutes to pop around for a chat, pick up shopping and check they are getting at lease one hot meal a day.
It’s often the people most at risk from cold weather who are least willing to ask for help, possibly because they don’t want to be seen as a burden.
Make the first move in checking on vulnerable friends and neighbours during cold weather:
• check on them regularly to make sure they’re safe and well
• make sure they're warm enough, especially at night
• stock up on food and medicines
If there is an emergency, always dial 999. However, if it isn’t an emergency you may want to contact your GP, a local pharmacy or NHS Direct.
If you find when you visit that someone has a serious problem, and needs more than simple neighbourly help, you can contact Adult Care services, on 01670 536400.
Travel Information
Flights from Newcastle
For anyone due to fly from Newcastle airport the following link will provide information on any current disruption to flight schedules: www.newcastleairport.com/flightinformation/ArrivalsDepartures.htm
Be aware of weather conditions and allow plenty time to drive safely to the airport.
Train User Information
If you are due to travel by train the following link will provide an update on any current disruption to train schedules: www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/today.htm
iphone
You can download the free Northumberland County Council iphone app from the following link which has this information and much more:
www.northumberland.gov.uk/iphone
Social Networking Sites
Rather than assume that you will always come to our website, we are now using the most popular social networking websites to keep you informed about local issues that may have an impact; such as school and road closures.
The link below will provide you with further information: www.northumberland.gov.uk/Default.aspx
Service 322
13 Dec 2010
Service 322 from Hepscott to Morpeth School cannot currently serve Stobhill Manor due to the weather.
IT ISSUE: Disrupted access to NCC Email and Internet
13 Dec 2010
Between 19:00 & 20:00 tonight there will disrupted access to NCC email and Internet from various NCC establishments.
This is to allow for the installation of a firewall at County Hall to improve network security.Please note this does not affect either Pegswood / West Hartford fire stations, schools’ curriculum access, or any users at County Hall. We apologise for any inconvenience.
IT ISSUE: Scam emails
13 Dec 2010
Please be aware there is a scam email circulating as follows. We would never ask for email details in this way. If anyone has replied to this email they should contact the help desk immediately and log a call.
From: Information Technology Services [mailto:suppt@web.net]
Sent: 11 December 2010 06:40
Subject: System Admin
Dear customer.
We have recently upgrade our site with a new E-mail Quota. And we notice
you are currently running on low space due to hidden files and folder on your mailbox. In addition to the default allocations everyone has the ability to
increase their email quota, in increments of. 10 GB. To have your quota
increased you must enter your valid account details as requested below.:
Full Name;
Email Username;
Email Password;
Confirm Password;
Your Phone number;
Failure to confirm your e-mail may result in loss of important information in your mailbox or cause limited
access to it.
If you get this email please delete and delete from your deleted items.
Roads - Footpaths and Weather Update Monday 13th Dec 07:30hrs
13 Dec 2010
Roads -Footpaths and Weather Update
Monday 13th December 2010 07:30hrs
Northern Area covering Berwick – Alnwick – Rothbury – Morpeth areas.
All main and secondary routes are now open.
Hedgeley Bridge at Powburn on the A697 is now OPEN
There is a risk of ice on all roads and footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the highway or footpath.
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Please be aware of conditions and drive accordingly.
Western Area covering Ponteland – Haltwhistle – Hexham – Stocksfield Prudhoe areas.
All main and secondary routes are now open.
There is a risk of ice on all roads and footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the highway or footpath.
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Please be aware of conditions and drive accordingly.
South East Area covering Ashington –Stakeford – Newbiggin – Lynemouth- Bedlington – Blyth – Cramlington – Seaton Delaval areas.
All main and secondary routes are now open.
There is a risk of ice on all roads and footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the highway or footpath.
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Please be aware of conditions and drive accordingly.
Forecast
Monday
Cloudy at times but most places should see a few bright or sunny spells. Many areas will stay dry but showers will affect some south eastern parts of the county.
Monday night
Mostly cloudy and showers are likely to affect some eastern parts of the region, especially near to the coast. Light winds.
Reporting Problem areas
Any problem areas should be reported to The Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk the request will then be logged directly on our Severe Weather system and appropriate action will be taken.
Salt/Grit Bin Information
Reports have been received of salt/grit misuse in some areas please remember the salt/grit bin has been provided for the sole purpose of treating public areas, public highways and footpaths.
Misuse of the salt/grit can lead to unnecessary shortages this can cause a danger to pedestrians and motorists.
Grit bins are provided at selected steep hills and sharp bends particularly those which are exposed sites where routine gritting is not undertaken.
Requests for the provision of grit bins will be assessed against justification criteria which limit them to areas where they are most needed.
To request a salt/grit bin contact 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk
Grit bins provided will be filled prior to the start of the winter and replenished as necessary. Bins will be left in place throughout the year except at locations of particular sensitivity. Damaged bins will be replaced as and when required.
Where resources allow, the bins will be replenished with a grit/salt combination during the winter for use by the public on a self help basis but the grit/salt mix should not be used for treating private property it is provided for use on public footpaths and highways only.
To request a salt/grit bin re-fill or report damage to the bin or misuse of salt/grit contact 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk
Safety Information
• If you must drive check the Highway Code for advice on driving in ice and snowy weather.
• Take care around ploughs and gritters. Don't be tempted to overtake. Slow down — it can take 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions, so allow extra room.
• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
• Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking and acceleration.
• If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and avoid braking.
• If braking is necessary, pump the brakes don't slam them on.
• If you get stuck, stay with your car and tie something brightly coloured to your aerial.
If you have to make a journey, make sure you have warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade, and let someone know when you expect to arrive and your route. Try to wait until the roads have been gritted before travelling.
To get all the latest information on England’s motorways and trunk roads:
• Visit the Highways Agency website: www.highways.gov.uk/traffic
• Download the Highways Agency iPhone app or access the mobile website www.highways.gov.uk/mobile
• For information on weather conditions, consult the Met Office: www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio broadcasts
• For advice to individuals on clearing pavements consult the Direct Gov website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_191868
School Closures
For a full list of school closures please use the following link to Northumberland County Council website: www.northumberland.gov.uk
Pedestrian information
There is a risk of ice on all footpaths due to melting snow please take care even on treated surfaces especially where melting snow is causing water run across the footpath.
Be a good neighbour
Please make sure that your elderly and/or disabled neighbours are safe and well during the cold spell, especially if they are housebound. It only takes a few minutes to pop around for a chat, pick up shopping and check they are getting at lease one hot meal a day.
It’s often the people most at risk from cold weather who are least willing to ask for help, possibly because they don’t want to be seen as a burden.
Make the first move in checking on vulnerable friends and neighbours during cold weather:
• check on them regularly to make sure they’re safe and well
• make sure they're warm enough, especially at night
• stock up on food and medicines
If there is an emergency, always dial 999. However, if it isn’t an emergency you may want to contact your GP, a local pharmacy or NHS Direct.
If you find when you visit that someone has a serious problem, and needs more than simple neighbourly help, you can contact Adult Care services, on 01670 536400.
Travel Information
Flights from Newcastle
For anyone due to fly from Newcastle airport the following link will provide information on any current disruption to flight schedules: www.newcastleairport.com/flightinformation/ArrivalsDepartures.htm
Be aware of weather conditions and allow plenty time to drive safely to the airport.
Train User Information
If you are due to travel by train the following link will provide an update on any current disruption to train schedules: www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/today.htm
iphone
You can download the free Northumberland County Council iphone app from the following link which has this information and much more:
www.northumberland.gov.uk/iphone
Social Networking Sites
Rather than assume that you will always come to our website, we are now using the most popular social networking websites to keep you informed about local issues that may have an impact; such as school and road closures.
The link below will provide you with further information: www.northumberland.gov.uk/Default.aspx
