Web Forum: More snow gripes

Dec 23 2009 by Andrew Jackson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE snow/gritting debate continues.....

markmyword posted: “I’ve just read some of the comments on the lead article in today’s Examiner. Whilst I do think that the management of the gritting teams has been found wanting once again I do think that some of the comments by shoppers is a bit rich.

“The weather forecasts on TV and radio over the preceding 48 hours were all suggesting extreme cold, snow showers and then a major snowfall around 3pm on Sunday. Those interviewed were old enough to know what happens in Huddersfield and district to public transport as soon as a snowflake falls.

Messages about only travelling if absolutely necessary were once again ignored. Obviously these people knew better than the experts.”

despondent was fuming...even in the freezing temperatures!: “The Examiner revealed that the council held more than the stated five days of grit in stock, contrary to the earlier council statement. I believe they are only now about to refill the roadside grit bins. Are they aware it is winter now and this job should have been dealt with earlier instead of the last minute.

“Can’t they fit little ploughs to the toy sweepers they run round the paved areas of town? It’s a sloshy slippy mess for pedestrians.”

huddsbornnbred wasn’t a happy bunny either: “I live just up road from Ainley gritting station. New Hey Road through Oakes and Salendine Nook is passable with care, however it has slowed the cars down, which has to be a good thing, but this is a major route to the M62! Lindley Moor is OK, except if you want to get out of, or turn in to, a side road. Moor Hill is treacherous! Crosland Road between the farms is absolutely clear but as soon as you reach the houses by Hill Grove you hit an good inch or two of snow on the road. The other side of Crosland Road the major residential bit, a bus route, is terrible and of course the side roads and estates haven’t been touched.

“An ambulance had to come to an elderly lady near me on Friday and it struggled to get out of the estate!

Laund Road, also a bus route, is still thick with snow.

“I’m sorry but Kirklees should hang their heads in shame! How about looking after the people who live outside the town centre? Or is all the money being spent on Dewsbury? Ah I know, it was wasted on St George’s Square!”