Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Scepticism over council’s preparations for winter and praise for bakery’s donation
It’s fair to say the Advertiser’s readers have very little faith in North Lanarkshire Council’s ability to deal with wintry conditions across Monklands over the next few months.
Preparations are under way, with 20,000 tonnes of salt and 114 vehicles at the ready in the event of ice and snow descending, and council contractors Amey’s fleet of 29 gritter lorries and 14 tractors with snow blades fitted adding to the local authority’s own 24 mini tractors with gritting and snowclearing capacity.
However, Nancy Connell responded: “They say that every year then get caught out.”
Christine McMath claimed: “I saw gritters out the other day and no snow. When the snow comes there are no gritters!”
Wullie Taylor agreed: “Yeah, and send gritters out when they’re not needed; and when we do need them, they’re nowhere to be seen or don’t even grit half the roads that are needing done.”
Christopher Mills asked: “Do they need to grit the roads when not needed? It’s as if they are only out to pass the time. It wasn’t even meant to be frosty two nights ago and they were out.”
But Iain Sinnett backed the council’s contingency plans: “We get a centimetre or two every year; cars still run, buses and trains too, and no kids off for snow days.”
Earning warmer praise from readers was Tunnock’s bakery for its fantastic £50,000 donation to the Maggie’s Centre at Monklands Hospital.
Catie Devine said: “Fantastic. I took my mum to Maggie’s when she was going through chemotherapy; she loved it and the staff were amazing with her. Well done Tunnock’s.”
Irene Kinsella added: “Well done Tunnock’s, what a lovely gesture.”
Gillian Leith commented: “Fabulous news. Maggie’s is such a well deserving charity that offers great support in a lovely atmosphere. Massive well done Tunnock’s!”