Cold Weather Information from SDC
General Information
Round-up information from Somerset County Council
https://somersetnewsroom.com/2018/02/28/ready-for-the-big-freeze
Clearing pathways/pavements
Where possible, follow government advice and clear snow or ice from pavements to help pedestrians, kerbside collectors and other users.
www.gov.uk/clear-snow-road-path-cycleway
Homelessness
The numbers to phone if someone requires accommodation
0900 hrs to 1700 hrs - 0300 303 7793
0900 hrs to 1700 hrs for 16-24 year olds 01278 451204
After 1700 hrs - 01823 368 244
Rough sleepers
Sedgemoor District Councils has a Severe Weather and Extended Winter Provision (SWEP) which is triggered by low temperatures and the risk of snow. When SWEP is in place Sedgemoor District Council encourages anyone sleeping rough within the district to access its Streetwatch Scheme. Sedgemoor District Council runs the Streetwatch Scheme in conjunction with the YMCA and Taunton Association for the Homeless. Streetwatch provides bed spaces in a room of an existing supported hostel. This scheme runs throughout the year even when SWEP is not in place. In the event Streetwatch is fully occupied during SWEP, further accommodation will be provided through the YMCA or local Bed and Breakfasts. Sedgemoor District Council and Taunton Association for the Homeless also provide an outreach service for rough sleepers on Monday and Thursday mornings based at Westfield Church, Bridgwater. At the outreach mornings, rough sleepers can get access to hot food/drinks, a shower, a washing machine and housing advice.
0900 hrs to 1700 hrs - 0300 303 7793
0900 hrs to 1700 hrs for 16-24 year olds 01278 451204
After 1700 hrs - 01823 368 244
Recycling and refuse collections
If severe weather means your waste is missed, put out containers again by 7am as we will try to make a return collection for four calendar days (recycling) and seven days (rubbish).
Alternatively, if it is safe and you have time and transport, take it all to any open recycling site, or if you have space, store your waste until your next planned collection.
Recycling site will remain open where possible –check our website for the latest update
Please help friends, family and neighbours if they are struggling with waste and containers in the bad weather.
www.somersetwaste.gov.uk or SomersetWaste Facebook page or Twitter
https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/slider/waste-care-wind-advice-over-yellow-weather-warning
School closures
Head teachers make the decision about closures and have responsibility for informing parents about disruption. They are encouraged to record any closures on the SCC webpage but the list may not be definitive
https://somersetnewsroom.com/2018/02/28/ready-for-the-big-freeze
Roads – gritting
see gritting routes on a searchable map from SCC
www.travelsomerset.co.uk/gritting
Roads/Travel
For the latest on roads and travel – Somerset County Council’s website
www.travelsomerset.co.uk or by following @TravelSomerset on Twitter
www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information
Tenants in Private rented accommodation
If tenants have problems such as frozen water pipes and therefore no water etc in particularly cold conditions, due to poor or non-existent insulation, they should contact their landlord.
Contact the landlord.