Welcome at special drop in centre Council gearing up for the winter blast
30,000 tonnes of salt available plus 100 vehicles
Macmillan drop in service provides a safe and welcoming space for cancer patients and their families to talk about how they are feeling and any worries they might have. Macmillan @ West Lothian can help them find all the right services in the area. These include access to benefits advice, free counselling, links to other relevant local organisations and practical issues including travel. Visit Macmillan dropin services at Bathgate Partnership Centre on Monday from 10am to 1pm and Thursday from 1pm to 3pm; Blackburn Partnership Cent r e on Mo n d ay from 1.30pm to 3.30pm; Strathbrock Partnership Centre on Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm and Friday 10am to 12.30pm; Carmondean Connected on Wednesday from 11am to 1pm and Thursday 10am to 12pm; Fauldhouse Partnership Centre on Tuesday from 10am to 12pm. There is no need to make an appointment just drop in. This is a free service for anyone affected by cancer, their family or carers. For more information contact 01506 283053.
West Lothian Council has more grit than ever this winter, and better weather forecasting should mean more targeted use of valuable resources the council’s executive committee has heard.
The council has 30,000 tonnes of salt available for the winter - three times the amount required during a ‘normal’ winter; nearly 100 vehicles equipped to tackle winter conditions, such as gritters, mini-tractors and skid steers and 2225 grit bins throughout the county
The council warned that during extreme bouts of winter weather, they can’t cover all areas, and is urging local people to prepare themselves, as best they can.
Executive councillor for the environment Tom Conn said: “Forward planning means that West Lothian is well-prepared to tackle impact of severe weather this winter.”
Agreeing the winter plans this week, councillors were told that gritting crews would get regular forecasts from both north and south of the county to enable more specific treatment plans to be drawn up.
Last winter, West Lothian was affected by the Beast from East - its first “red weather warning event”.
Councillor Conn added: “Last winter was a reminder that when severe weather does occur it has a significant impact upon our communities. The council is well prepared but our resources can only cover so much.”
Householders in West Lothian are being urged to take steps to ensure that they are prepared for winter weather.
Councillor Conn added: “Householders can play their part,by checking that pipes are lagged, they know how to turn off the water, and their insurance policies are up to date. Salt/grit is also readily available from most supermarkets and can be kept at home.
“Parents/carers should check that their child’s school has up-todate contact details, and drivers can prepare their cars by checking tyres, anti-freeze and carrying a shovel with them.
“We would urge residents to purchase salt/ grit and help to treat their own driveways, paths and streets.”
More details on snow routes and how the council prioritises snow clearance, please visit www. westlothian.gov.uk/winter
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