Dozens rescued from the snow
POLICE and volunteers had to rescue dozens of people who were trapped in a snowstorm in Derbyshire.
Officers were called to some of the highest-lying areas of the Peak District on Saturday after sudden and heavy snow rolled in.
People in the Goyt Valley were left trapped in their vehicles due to the wintry conditions and had to be rescued.
Earlier in the day, police say up to 200 vehicles were parked on Snake Pass summit, a figure the Derbyshire Rural Crime Team claimed was busier than a summer bank holiday.
In a post on Facebook, an officer from the team slammed people for their lack of “common sense” in going out anyway and not being prepared for the weather to turn as was forecast.
The post read: “This is being typed from our office while most of the team is out in our few available vehicles. It’s been snowing most of the afternoon, just as forecast.
“It’s the middle of winter, and Bleaklow and Kinder are the highest points in Derbyshire. We are in the throes of a pandemic placing restrictions on all our recreational activities.
“Upwards of 200 cars were parked on Snake Pass summit early this afternoon, busier than a summer bank holiday, but with the main difference being the large white things dropping out of the sky.
Upwards of 200 cars were parked on Snake Pass summit early this afternoon, busier than a summer bank holiday.
Presumably, the occupants of these vehicles were out on the moors.
“It seems like many didn’t have the common sense to check the forecast, dress themselves suitably, check they had a capable vehicle and/or driving skills, never mind the fact that they perhaps shouldn’t have been stretching the advice given by the Government so as not to overburden our NHS.”
It went on to say there were similar
situations across other parts of the Peak District.
It wrote: “Never mind, though. Just ring the police and expect them to come along with their magical snowmobiles.
“Of course, with our superpowers we can simultaneously deal with similar situations in the Goyt Valley, Mam Nick, Curbar Gap and others. And we’re Covid-proof, didn’t you know?
“Joking aside, please don’t be stupid. It shouldn’t need a greater explanation than that.
“Hopefully, the evening won’t deteriorate into a mass of emergencies. We’ll deal with what we can, but our underpants aren’t on the outside and we can only knock so much common sense back into society.”
Officers from Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit also joined the battle to rescue people, with the force collecting those who were stuck and taking them to Buxton.
In a number of tweets, officers wrote: “There’s a long night ahead for us and many volunteers who are now out in the Goyt Valley helping those who need us.
“Sudden snow has left dozens of vehicles and their occupants stranded. Work continues through the night to rescue those stranded in the High Peak.
“If you have an immediate emergency call us on 999 otherwise sit tight and we will get to you.”