Wardens to drift in for severe snow
SNOW wardens could be recruited to help cope with severe weather and keep the roads clear.
Getting volunteers on board would let the council draw on valuable local knowledge, Calderdale Council’s Place Scrutiny Board heard at a meeting this week.
Clr Roisin Cavanagh asked if these would be along the lines of flood wardens, volunteers who have developed an important role as a link between council and community when the borough has been threatened by flooding.
Head of Neighbourhoods, Andrew Pitts, said the roles would see people offering to help look after their local environment and adding value to the council’s services.
The council currently sends out gritting lorries to 60 per cent of the road network, higher than many other local authorities, he added.
The policy is being developed despite possible concerns over volunteers’ safety.
A review of the council department recently said it performed strongly across strategic planning and investment, but could further use staff and technology and could sharpen up customer focus and responsiveness.
The review’s finding were broken down into a series of recommendations and these have been set out in an action plan.
Cabinet member for public services and communities, Coun Jenny Lynn (Labour, Park), said the council thought it could do better interacting with people, for example, by making sure someone reporting an issue like a street light out was kept up to date on progress.
Corporate lead for green spaces, Jonathan Cole, said an online form had been developed which would let someone leave an email so they could get updates on the job.
Coun Cavanagh (Labour, Luddenden Foot) said staff retention seemed to be a big obstacle for Calderdale with other authorities able to offer higher salaries.
Head of highways and transportation, Steven Lee, said the council was offering better training, and focusing on graduate engineers who had a bit more experience.
Clr Roisin Cavanagh asked if they would be along the lines of flood
wardens