Issue - meetings

Following the implementation of the Snow Warden Pilot Scheme carried out across winter 2011/12, the Cabinet requested a review of the scheme and to seek agreement on arrangements for the winter 2012/13.

Councillor Charles Gerrish in an ad hoc statement supported the proposals but pointed out that the cold season had started earlier than anticipated for 2 consecutive years.  He asked Cabinet to reconsider the forecasting service being used, which had not always given adequate snow warnings.

Councillor Anthony Clarke said how confident the residents of Camden were after they had been provided with grit and salt on their steep roads.

Peter Duppa-Miller (Secretary, Local Councils Association) in an ad hoc statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 14 and on the Council's website] asked the Cabinet to continue the snow warden pilot scheme for the coming winter and to approve the winter service policy.

Councillor Roger Symonds moved the recommendations.  He agreed to reconsider the forecasting sourcing in the light of the comments made by Councillor Gerrish.

Councillor Cherry Beath seconded the proposals.

Councillor Dine Romero asked whether it was too late to add extra snow wardens to the scheme, because she knew of some willing volunteers in her own ward.

Councillor Paul Crossley agreed with Councillor Gerrish that the forecasting needed to be improved.  This had been the only cause of complaints.  He said that extra volunteers could be included but their training would need to be funded by the local Ward members from their Ward Member Initiative funds.

On a motion from Councillor Roger Symonds, seconded by Councillor Cherry Beath, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AGREE that the existing Snow Warden Pilot Scheme is continued across the winter 2012/13; and

(2) To AGREE that the arrangements for the Highway Winter Service during winter 2012/13 continue as set out in the Policy approved by Cabinet on 14th September 2011.