Live blog: Sussex snow, Sunday, January 10 (From The Argus)
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Live blog: Sussex snow, Sunday, January 10
10:00am Sunday 10th January 2010 in News
Sunday's Live blog
9pm: Emergency services have reported no serious incidents related to the weather.
Thanks again for joining our live blog and keeping up to date with The Argus.
8pm: West Sussex County Council has said secondary schools were working hard to make sure that GCSE and A levels could take place this week.
Headteachers were checking with teachers and support staff, who live closest to schools, about their availability to invigilate.
Some schools may have to get permission to change the times of exams, so parents are being urged to keep in close contact with their schools via their websites and answerphone service.
If students cannot attend an exam they will need to re-sit in June or, if it is a final module, a grade can be awarded based on previous results.
At St Paul's College, Burgess Hill, a parent commandeered a tractor to clear snow from the access road.
5pm: Dozens of hospital staff had coastguards to thank for getting into work.
Coastguard all terrain vehicles shuttled consultants and other essential medical staff trapped at home to hospitals.
They have also transported patients home from the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, after wards became overloaded.
Essential blood supplies were also delivered to Findon and Newhaven using coastguard 4x4s.
3.10pm: University students are set for a temporary reprieve from exams and assessment deadlines thanks to the heavy snow.
The University of Sussex has postponed for a week planned examinations for tomorrow and a decision on exams due for later in the week will also be reviewed.
Students will also get an extra week for assessments due in tomorrow.
2.15pm: Services at Worthing Crematorium are scheduled to go ahead as normal tomorrow if the weather does not deteriorate.
Worthing Borough Council has said the crematorium will reopen after it was closed on Saturday and today for the removal of dangerous tree branches.
The council has also said launch of the 2010 Worthing Visitor Guide, due to take place on Tuesday at The Dome, has been postponed because of the cold weather.
1.25pm: Hardware stores have reported a roaring trade over the last few days as people sought ways to cope.
Steve Booty, manager of Robert Dyas in Western Road, Hove, said: “We have practically sold out of everything that is related to the weather.
“Our heating section is going crazy, we're selling out of fan heaters and radiators as fast as we can order them in.
“We sold out of spades during the last cold spell but we've had dozens of people coming in and asking for spades.”
Charlie Lewis, sales assistant at Bedford Hardware in St George's Road, Brighton, said: “Our spades are selling really well, we are pretty much completely sold out.”
12.50pm: Brighton and Hove City Council has said its workers are continuing to try and clear major roads with refuse staff diverted to help the cause.
A spokesman for the local authority also said that volunteer 4x4 drivers are being used to support its social care service and that more drivers were needed.
People wanting to volunteer can call 01273 290463.
The spokesman added: “Residents – particularly elderly and vulnerable people – are strongly advised to stay at home today, rather than venture out onto slippery pavements today, unless they need to make essential journeys.
“Elderly and vulnerable people should call the council’s adult social care helpline on 01273 295555 if they are having problems getting the services they require .”
11.45am: Stagecoach buses report they are operating a normal Sunday service. Let us know if you are having any problems travelling with them.
Also, Gatwick Airport is open for business but bosses are advising that passengers check with their airline for further infomation. Delays are expected.
11.15am: Brighton and Hove Buses has issued the following on its website.
“Due to the adverse road conditions, many roads across the city and beyond are still treacherous and we are still unable to serve a number of routes
“Once again Southern have agreed that Saver bus tickets can be used on trains within our area today, so if you live somewhere that buses can't yet reach but can get to a railway station and have a Saver ticket you will be able to use the train.
“We sincerely apologise for the continuing inconvenience; we have teams constantly out checking roads and will reinstate more services as conditions allow.
“We are operating a limited service today as follows:
- 1 - Operating from Arundel Road (Whitehawk) to Mile Oak via normal route and timetable except via Boundary Road, A259 and Trafalgar Road in both directions instead of St Andrews Road. From the Old Village, all buses are operating a one-way loop via Mile Oak Road, Chalky Road and Valley Road back to the Old Village. We are unable to serve Graham Avenue and Thornill Rise.
- 2 - Operating Shoreham to Old Steine on normal route and timetable except via Carlton Terrace instead of Olive Road in Portslade.
- 2A - Operating normal route and timetable from Old Steine to Bramber Castle (except via Carlton Terrace in Portslade instead of Olive Road). From Bramber Castle, buses are operating via the A283 and entering Steyning from the north and terminating at the Clock Tower before operating normally back to Brighton. We are unable to serve Shootingfield.
- 5/5A - Operating from Old Shoreham Road/Hangleton Road (Texaco Garage), then via Court Farm Road to Black Lion (A23).
- 5B - Operating from Old Shoreham Road/Hangleton Road (Texaco Garage), then via Court Farm Road to Black Lion (A23) then via the A27 bypass to Hollingbury ASDA, returning via Carden Avenue towards Hangleton.
- 6 - Operating normally from Brighton Station to Sainsburys, but direct via the Hangleton Link Road in both directions as we are unable to serve Downs Park or Foredown Drive.
- 7 - Operating normal route and timetable.
- 12 - Operating from Brighton to Seaford Library but not serving Lower Place in Newhaven.
- 14 - Operating from Brighton Station to Peacehaven Meridian Centre but not via North Peacehaven.
- 25 - Operating normally from Palmeira Square to Falmer Station (unable to serve either University campus).
- 26 - Operating a one-way loop from Palmeira Square to Fiveways along normal route up Ditchling Road, then via Preston Drove and London Road back to the city centre.
- 27 - Operating Dyke Road Avenue/A27 roundabout to Saltdean Lido.
- 28 - Operating Brighton to Lewes Tesco via the Cuilfail Tunnel, as we are unable to serve Lewes High Street/Town Centre.
- 46 - Operating normal route and timetable from the Open Market to Southwick Square.
- 49/49A - Operating from Portslade Station to The Avenue/Lewes Road.
- 50 - Operating from Brighton Station to Upper Hollingdean Road, turning via the Lewes Road Gyratory back to Upper Hollingdean Road to return to Brighton Station.
- 57 - Operating Brighton Station to Saltdean Lido (not serving Ovingdean or Kemp Town, direct via Eastern Road).
10.15am:Last night's snowfall was lighter than expected and conditions have improved on major roads as temperatures have begun to rise. However disruption to public transport has continued.
Met Office has forecast there will be no more snow in Brighton and Hove today, contrary to earlier predictions, and temperatures will stay around 0C. Elsewhere in Sussex, light snow has been forecast.
Useful links
- The Met Office's Severe Weather Warnings
- Brighton and Hove City Council's severe weather updates
- Live traffic and travel updates
- Southern Railway
- Brighton and Hove Bus Company
- Gatwick Airport
Live blog archive
Comments(151)
cheezburger
says...
8:15am Wed 6 Jan 10
Dwayno
says...
8:33am Wed 6 Jan 10
longman
says...
8:47am Wed 6 Jan 10
Voice of Unreason
says...
9:02am Wed 6 Jan 10
So don't go out, and don't bother driving until this all either freezes or melts.
Walk - if you have to - but take care.
cheezburger
says...
9:34am Wed 6 Jan 10
Isabel
says...
9:42am Wed 6 Jan 10
Nick Brighton
says...
9:48am Wed 6 Jan 10
magic_chimp
says...
10:02am Wed 6 Jan 10
M23 very slushy and two lanes undriveable in places as covered under snow - this however doesn't stop some numpties from motoring along like it's a summer's day with clear roads and visibility and no headlights on!!
Get a grip people - if you are going to drive be EXTREMELY careful, headlights on, clear all your windows aswell as headlights & indicators, leave a big gap between you and the next vehicle & just take your time!!
Voice of Unreason
says...
10:03am Wed 6 Jan 10
cheezburger wrote:Extraordinary, cheezeburger - I would have thought that would be the one place where there wasn't any snow!
Crash in Southwick tunnel i hear.
cheezburger
says...
10:08am Wed 6 Jan 10
Nick Brighton
says...
10:13am Wed 6 Jan 10
, but services along the coast appear to be running more or less OK.
Isabel
says...
10:15am Wed 6 Jan 10
Voice of Unreason wrote:Lol
cheezburger wrote: Crash in Southwick tunnel i hear.Extraordinary, cheezeburger - I would have thought that would be the one place where there wasn't any snow!
roisinoc
says...
10:39am Wed 6 Jan 10
Darling2
says...
10:51am Wed 6 Jan 10
Nick Brighton
says...
11:17am Wed 6 Jan 10
DocPhil
says...
11:40am Wed 6 Jan 10
DoubleC
says...
12:07pm Wed 6 Jan 10
Wondering whether it was a good idea to commute in this morning!
Prospects for Southern trains from London to Hove later???
willowwarbler
says...
12:18pm Wed 6 Jan 10
once again, no post, no busses, no gritters, anybody would think we are living in the dark ages!
Isabel
says...
12:25pm Wed 6 Jan 10
DoubleC wrote:Just found out that also Worthing station is shut too. The national rail site not very helpful. Would anyone know where to check?
I heard that Brighton station is currently closed. Wondering whether it was a good idea to commute in this morning! Prospects for Southern trains from London to Hove later???
PLR
says...
12:26pm Wed 6 Jan 10
All buses have been cancelled when it's not even icy yet. Where are the gritters? Other cities manage.... why doesn't Brighton & Hove? The Argus website even shows the depot with mountains of grit - I can only presume it's still there?
And once again, no rubbish collections (I can understand access is an issue). Is it going to be the same streets again who do not get a catch-up collection?
willowwarbler
says...
12:37pm Wed 6 Jan 10
PLR wrote:I agree PLR, only just had rubbish collection. No recycling for 3 weeks,
Don't get me started about the snow...! All buses have been cancelled when it's not even icy yet. Where are the gritters? Other cities manage.... why doesn't Brighton & Hove? The Argus website even shows the depot with mountains of grit - I can only presume it's still there? And once again, no rubbish collections (I can understand access is an issue). Is it going to be the same streets again who do not get a catch-up collection?
only just had my pre-christmas post.
No gritting for Braybon Ave and people are still trying to get up the hill,and consequently sliding back down.I would say the council needs to leap into action!!!
steveP2009
says...
12:54pm Wed 6 Jan 10
willowwarbler wrote:Are you serious?! Other cities managing?! the whoel of the north are at a stand still, Londons gone on holiday and my mother is completely snowed in without gritters passing past her door. At the end of the day people cant get to work including council workers so progress can be slow. But it is in progress, there are snow ploughs and gritters. But they cant cover every inch of the street within 10 mins of snow. The major walkign areas are beign treating and everything is on a priority list.
PLR wrote:I agree PLR, only just had rubbish collection. No recycling for 3 weeks,
Don't get me started about the snow...! All buses have been cancelled when it's not even icy yet. Where are the gritters? Other cities manage.... why doesn't Brighton & Hove? The Argus website even shows the depot with mountains of grit - I can only presume it's still there? And once again, no rubbish collections (I can understand access is an issue). Is it going to be the same streets again who do not get a catch-up collection?
only just had my pre-christmas post.
No gritting for Braybon Ave and people are still trying to get up the hill,and consequently sliding back down.I would say the council needs to leap into action!!!
davyboy
says...
1:04pm Wed 6 Jan 10
PLR wrote:which would you rather have? buses running along untreated roads, sliding into parked cars, or, for everyones safety, services suspended until roads are safe. gritting is a council job, but there are a finite number of personnel, and lorries, and cannot be in 2 places at once.
Don't get me started about the snow...!
All buses have been cancelled when it's not even icy yet. Where are the gritters? Other cities manage.... why doesn't Brighton & Hove? The Argus website even shows the depot with mountains of grit - I can only presume it's still there?
And once again, no rubbish collections (I can understand access is an issue). Is it going to be the same streets again who do not get a catch-up collection?
Acheron
says...
1:12pm Wed 6 Jan 10
Would be somewhat helpful for B&H council to put a revised collection time on their website as the Christmas / New Year one is irrelevent now. (But that would be helping the residents wouldn't it! Can't expect that much!)
chrisbrighton
says...
1:27pm Wed 6 Jan 10
willowwarbler wrote:I have just been to the County Hospital...the Council have not even bothered to grit the roads or pavements around there! People slipping all over the place! This Tory Council really is the most incompetent bunch of fools ...they could not run a binge drinking session in a brewery
According to brighton & hove gov website: they have been out gritting the roads all night, but obviously not in patcham where we are on the main bus route 5B. once again, no post, no busses, no gritters, anybody would think we are living in the dark ages!
PLR
says...
1:35pm Wed 6 Jan 10
The pavements outside the hospital not being gritted is a major oversight - if you fall and break a bone due to untreated pavements, surely it's not unreasonable to be able to get through the hospital doors without the same happening again?
london commuter
says...
1:36pm Wed 6 Jan 10
nalRail website is not working
PLR
says...
1:38pm Wed 6 Jan 10
Saker-Clive
says...
2:10pm Wed 6 Jan 10
hen a few hours later close? Instead of phoning staff to see if they can get in, listen to the news reports!!!!!!!
steveP2009
says...
2:12pm Wed 6 Jan 10
chrisbrighton wrote:Whereas I agree about an incompetent council; I also agree in weather liek this take the advice of the public services; STAY AT HOME! unless its REALLY urgent
willowwarbler wrote:I have just been to the County Hospital...the Council have not even bothered to grit the roads or pavements around there! People slipping all over the place! This Tory Council really is the most incompetent bunch of fools ...they could not run a binge drinking session in a brewery
According to brighton & hove gov website: they have been out gritting the roads all night, but obviously not in patcham where we are on the main bus route 5B. once again, no post, no busses, no gritters, anybody would think we are living in the dark ages!
ssilkystone
says...
2:16pm Wed 6 Jan 10
Isabel
says...
2:17pm Wed 6 Jan 10
london commuter wrote:All trains are currently cancelled even though website says they are running. I am trying to get a number to phone station directly as 0845 7 48 49 50 only see the live rail updates from the site and these are not accurate
Does anyone know if trains are running to brighton and hove from London Bridge or Farringdon.....Natio nalRail website is not working
chrisbrighton
says...
2:24pm Wed 6 Jan 10
steveP2009 wrote:Like a really urgent hospital appointment maybe...?
chrisbrighton wrote:Whereas I agree about an incompetent council; I also agree in weather liek this take the advice of the public services; STAY AT HOME! unless its REALLY urgentwillowwarbler wrote: According to brighton & hove gov website: they have been out gritting the roads all night, but obviously not in patcham where we are on the main bus route 5B. once again, no post, no busses, no gritters, anybody would think we are living in the dark ages!I have just been to the County Hospital...the Council have not even bothered to grit the roads or pavements around there! People slipping all over the place! This Tory Council really is the most incompetent bunch of fools ...they could not run a binge drinking session in a brewery
ferretneck
says...
2:28pm Wed 6 Jan 10
Ferretneck
ssilkystone
says...
2:30pm Wed 6 Jan 10
Isabel
says...
2:33pm Wed 6 Jan 10
heavenscentrose
says...
2:33pm Wed 6 Jan 10
magic_chimp wrote:Same experience as I had last evening when the snow started (except they had headlights on as it was dark).
Managed to get out of The Deneway onto the A23 with care - probably won't be able to get back up it later though! M23 very slushy and two lanes undriveable in places as covered under snow - this however doesn't stop some numpties from motoring along like it's a summer's day with clear roads and visibility and no headlights on!! Get a grip people - if you are going to drive be EXTREMELY careful, headlights on, clear all your windows aswell as headlights & indicators, leave a big gap between you and the next vehicle & just take your time!!
You have suggested exactly what I posted on another article last night.
Drivers should not forget to leave a large gap at traffic lights, too as it's very easy to slip backwards when tyres lose traction, even on a slight incline.
However, best to stay at home if possible - don't venture out unless it's absolutely necessary and if you have an appointment, phone to see if the person you are meeting will be there! This might be stating the obvious, but worth saying!
Saker-Clive
says...
2:42pm Wed 6 Jan 10
stan bailey
says...
3:05pm Wed 6 Jan 10
ssilkystone wrote:well the brats are out throwing snow balls at cars, as if driving in these conditions isn't difficult enough
Would'nt it be easier to simply compile a list of those schools which are open, same old story, what happens to those parents in the emergency services who depend on the kids going to school, how about opening all the schools with a reduced service, with those teachers who live close by teaching larger classes for the day,all the heads must simply phone each other and simply agree to all stay closed, a sort of cartel for want of a better word, or simply make employment law allow all workers time off without fear of loss of pay etc when this happens.
martreed
says...
3:53pm Wed 6 Jan 10
For instance, today there are currently (4pm) no services running along the A259 South Coast Road. I have just driven from Brighton to Peacehaven with no difficulty - the main carriageways are all clear apart from a bit of central slush - why would it not be possible therefore to run a service 14 as far as the Meridian Centre (turning if needs be at the roundabout at Sutton Avenue)? The A259 is a vital artery which must be kept open - unfortunately B&H's current policy frustrates this objective.
One of the big issues is that the absence of buses actually contributes to deteriorating road conditions. The theory of salting roads is predicated on the concept that heavy vehicles using the roads churn the salt into a mush which is far more effective at reducing snow and ice. When B&H pulls its services, one important element of this recipe is immediately lost.
I noticed this morning that the suspension of services appeared to be on "police advice" - some might see this as a neat way of moving the blame to a different authority.
Mrs Newcastle
says...
3:54pm Wed 6 Jan 10
THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2010: The school will be closed to students because of a gas leak. We will be in contact with Parents about when students will able to return.
The school is OPEN to Staff.
Acheron
says...
5:07pm Wed 6 Jan 10
ssilkystone wrote:It used to be the rules for a teacher that if your school was closed it was your responsibility to report to the nearest open school for work (if possible). In these days of paranoia and excessive CRB requirements (I currently have 4 indate CRBs) a lot of schools wouldn't be allowed under Ofsted regulations to let teachers from another school teach at thiers (CRBs being school specific).
Would'nt it be easier to simply compile a list of those schools which are open, same old story, what happens to those parents in the emergency services who depend on the kids going to school, how about opening all the schools with a reduced service, with those teachers who live close by teaching larger classes for the day,all the heads must simply phone each other and simply agree to all stay closed, a sort of cartel for want of a better word, or simply make employment law allow all workers time off without fear of loss of pay etc when this happens.
In terms of larger classes, well theres health and safety and workforce agreements in practice (for good reason to be fair) that would make that impossible.
steveP2009
says...
5:08pm Wed 6 Jan 10
chrisbrighton wrote:An emergancy hospital appointment is usually done by calling an ambalance, which pathways/roadways are clear. I'm afraid the priority is getting people in which should be done by calling 999. Not visitors pathways! Obviously I have no idea of the situation reagrding this hoisptal visit.
steveP2009 wrote:Like a really urgent hospital appointment maybe...?
chrisbrighton wrote:Whereas I agree about an incompetent council; I also agree in weather liek this take the advice of the public services; STAY AT HOME! unless its REALLY urgentwillowwarbler wrote: According to brighton & hove gov website: they have been out gritting the roads all night, but obviously not in patcham where we are on the main bus route 5B. once again, no post, no busses, no gritters, anybody would think we are living in the dark ages!I have just been to the County Hospital...the Council have not even bothered to grit the roads or pavements around there! People slipping all over the place! This Tory Council really is the most incompetent bunch of fools ...they could not run a binge drinking session in a brewery
BrightonRes
says...
5:14pm Wed 6 Jan 10
Saker-Clive wrote:Absaloutely agree and has been on my mind that past hour, I am in Preston Park which I think has more snow than town. Preston Drove looks clear but the buses are not running along Ditchling Road or Beaconsfield Villas and as you say the more traffic, the more the salt works. I am concerned that the council have not taken the opportunity BEFORE the ice to give it their best shot to get the salt working with the snow as I hear there is more heavy snow due on Saturday and with freezing conditions between then and now it may be a week or more before it really thaws and things can move again. The potential challenging road/pavement situation seems it could have been reduced or attempted to be by acting quickly today. The snow fell, but it was fairly light all afternoon and bus/car traffic on main routes would certainly of helped things not freeze.
I've just been into Kemptown to pick up my car from a garage; the roads are clear, yes clear and easily passable from the Steine, Edward Street, Freshfeild Road, Elm Grove, Warren Road, Wilson Ave etc. This lot of snow is wet snow so is almost thawing as it lands. Why are all the buses stopped, I've seen 3 on my travels driving from one depot to another!!!!! The problem will be tonight IF it freezes and or more snow.
BrightonRes
says...
5:14pm Wed 6 Jan 10
Saker-Clive wrote:Absaloutely agree and has been on my mind that past hour, I am in Preston Park which I think has more snow than town. Preston Drove looks clear but the buses are not running along Ditchling Road or Beaconsfield Villas and as you say the more traffic, the more the salt works. I am concerned that the council have not taken the opportunity BEFORE the ice to give it their best shot to get the salt working with the snow as I hear there is more heavy snow due on Saturday and with freezing conditions between then and now it may be a week or more before it really thaws and things can move again. The potential challenging road/pavement situation seems it could have been reduced or attempted to be by acting quickly today. The snow fell, but it was fairly light all afternoon and bus/car traffic on main routes would certainly of helped things not freeze.
I've just been into Kemptown to pick up my car from a garage; the roads are clear, yes clear and easily passable from the Steine, Edward Street, Freshfeild Road, Elm Grove, Warren Road, Wilson Ave etc. This lot of snow is wet snow so is almost thawing as it lands. Why are all the buses stopped, I've seen 3 on my travels driving from one depot to another!!!!! The problem will be tonight IF it freezes and or more snow.
chrisbrighton
says...
5:33pm Wed 6 Jan 10
steveP2009 wrote:May be I have overly high expectaions but I dont think it unreasonable to expect our Council to be able to keep the roads and pavements around the City hospital clear so that we can attend an appointment without calling an "ambalance".
chrisbrighton wrote:An emergancy hospital appointment is usually done by calling an ambalance, which pathways/roadways are clear. I'm afraid the priority is getting people in which should be done by calling 999. Not visitors pathways! Obviously I have no idea of the situation reagrding this hoisptal visit.steveP2009 wrote:Like a really urgent hospital appointment maybe...?chrisbrighton wrote:Whereas I agree about an incompetent council; I also agree in weather liek this take the advice of the public services; STAY AT HOME! unless its REALLY urgentwillowwarbler wrote: According to brighton & hove gov website: they have been out gritting the roads all night, but obviously not in patcham where we are on the main bus route 5B. once again, no post, no busses, no gritters, anybody would think we are living in the dark ages!I have just been to the County Hospital...the Council have not even bothered to grit the roads or pavements around there! People slipping all over the place! This Tory Council really is the most incompetent bunch of fools ...they could not run a binge drinking session in a brewery
tyler durden
says...
5:49pm Wed 6 Jan 10
http://bit.ly/ 4Vddmw
birthofanorange
says...
6:47pm Wed 6 Jan 10
davyboy is going to spend his rest days sweeping and shovelling our streets...after he's sorted Abingdon, of course.
Gawd bless davyboy!! lol!
Joe Average
says...
6:51pm Wed 6 Jan 10
"8.30am
Gatwick Airport has announced an ongoing suspension of all flights. Eight snowploughs have been trying to clear the runway but have been unable to keep up with the amount of snow falling. "
Thanks a lot!
The posters here have been far more useful.
Argus - SHAME ON YOU
birthofanorange
says...
6:56pm Wed 6 Jan 10
jagiwatch
says...
7:55pm Wed 6 Jan 10
jagiwatch
says...
7:57pm Wed 6 Jan 10
Isabel wrote:LOL LOL LOL
Voice of Unreason wrote:Lolcheezburger wrote: Crash in Southwick tunnel i hear.Extraordinary, cheezeburger - I would have thought that would be the one place where there wasn't any snow!
E.O.D Engineer
says...
8:02pm Wed 6 Jan 10
I cant see B&H shifting the blame to the Police, dont be stupid, its a private company that needs to be on the road to make money! its safety...
If most lazy people opened their eyes and looked at situation from another angle than "I have to walk 1/4 mile to the shop" it would be a better world
RAHHHHH . rant over
good day
SnowScrooge
says...
8:18pm Wed 6 Jan 10
Joe Average wrote:I'd just like to point out to Joe that the Argus blog updates are at the top of the page and not at the bottom! You are in fact looking at the first entry of the day. Apparently Joe Average has a below average sized brain! Shame on YOU Joe!
Last entry from the Argus "8.30am Gatwick Airport has announced an ongoing suspension of all flights. Eight snowploughs have been trying to clear the runway but have been unable to keep up with the amount of snow falling. " Thanks a lot! The posters here have been far more useful. Argus - SHAME ON YOU
MarcoPolo
says...
9:31pm Wed 6 Jan 10
ssilkystone
says...
9:31pm Wed 6 Jan 10
ssilkystone
says...
9:43pm Wed 6 Jan 10
ssilkystone
says...
11:20pm Wed 6 Jan 10
Red Shoes
says...
11:44pm Wed 6 Jan 10
chrisbrighton wrote:I'm no supporter of the Tory Council but when I left the County Hospital on Tues evening at 6.15pm the pavements around HAD been gritted and there was a pile of salt/grit on the corner of Abbey Rd/Eastern Rd (& I assume this wasn't the only road/pavement in the area to be done). It then snowed, rained and snowed again overnight, so not surprising that the grit wasn't very obvious to chrisbrighton but that doesn't mean it hadn't been there - and the Council really can't simultaneously and continuously grit every single major road/pavement!
willowwarbler wrote:I have just been to the County Hospital...the Council have not even bothered to grit the roads or pavements around there! People slipping all over the place! This Tory Council really is the most incompetent bunch of fools ...they could not run a binge drinking session in a brewery
According to brighton & hove gov website: they have been out gritting the roads all night, but obviously not in patcham where we are on the main bus route 5B. once again, no post, no busses, no gritters, anybody would think we are living in the dark ages!
Re the buses - in the snow before Christmas I was very impressed with how many they managed to keep going, especially the 29 out to T. Wells even when it was really icy. However this time they did seem to stop them very quickly - I went into a meeting at 6.45pm Tues before it started snowing and by the time I came out at 8.30ish there were no buses :-( ... 2 nights stranded in Brighton and not sure if/how/when I'll be able to get home!
Bryan taxi driver
says...
8:01am Thu 7 Jan 10
Runner50
says...
8:28am Thu 7 Jan 10
The conditions are bad and we simply have to get on with it. Stop complaining and blaming, get off your a**** and do what you can.
I have just been out and gritted the road outside my house in the hope that the few cars going up and down will spread it around and activate it.
Don't knock what you haven't tried...ie driving a bus or organising the gritting. Such a blame blame culture we all live in.
Charismatic Andrew
says...
9:58am Thu 7 Jan 10
Whitedot
says...
10:56am Thu 7 Jan 10
another 1
says...
11:03am Thu 7 Jan 10
Whitedot
says...
11:08am Thu 7 Jan 10
another 1 wrote:From what I could see from Elm Grove it all looks a bit impassable on the roads.
Does anyone know what hanover is like - freshfield road area?
TheInsider
says...
11:14am Thu 7 Jan 10
However, Coombe Road, Meadowview and surrounding roads are are impassable except for those in 4X4s and even then a few were struggling when reaching the top.
Avoid anywhere on a slight incline you may get trapped and there are abandoned vehicles everywhere.
another 1
says...
11:14am Thu 7 Jan 10
Saker-Clive
says...
11:25am Thu 7 Jan 10
4x4's are excellent in the snow and are built for it BUT when the roads are sheet ice like a lot of today, even these vehicles will suffer if the driver in not 100% on the ball. I know, I've owned a few over the last 10 years and still do.
Runner50
says...
12:26pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Its those same lorries that then jack-knife and make it impossible for the rest of us sensible drivers.
I have also seen a couple of 4x4s slide, probably because they think they are invincable.
Wise up everyone and we will all get around safely.
I can also confirm that the Council were out around Portslade/Mile Oak gritting road junctions and delivering salt.
Officeboy
says...
12:30pm Thu 7 Jan 10
kraftwerker
says...
12:53pm Thu 7 Jan 10
kfirette
says...
1:08pm Thu 7 Jan 10
jaque au lait
says...
1:16pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Whitedot wrote:i wanted to be a shepherd when i left school as well.
I've just walked from Lewes over the downs to work, took 2h 45mins but well worth it for the scenery.
Voice of Unreason
says...
2:00pm Thu 7 Jan 10
What they don't seem to realise is that in these conditions it is very difficult for the motorist to stop safely in a hurry, and in many cases stopping or slowing right down could mean getting stuck.
So stop giving cars black looks when the toot you to get off the road. Have some common sense and use the pavements. I have been walking today as well, and the pavements are no more treacherous than the roads - but of course there aren't any cars on them.
Let's all stay safe.
Runner50
says...
2:07pm Thu 7 Jan 10
If you look on the Council website they have listed roads they will be dealing with by priority...that might help?
Personally I think we ALL need to learn to cope with such large snow falls..not just the council. Its been a steep learning curve for everyone. Lets face it what ever party is in power - someone would complain about something.
Gerro
says...
2:07pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Gerro
says...
2:13pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Runner50
says...
2:31pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Off to battle with the lorries on the by-pass again.
sw deep-soon :-)
deni
says...
3:15pm Thu 7 Jan 10
TheInsider
says...
3:16pm Thu 7 Jan 10
The county hospital is also at full stretch.
The people who work in these places, and those who are in other services which are vital to keeping services running, such as electric and gas, care workers, etc, have no choice but to walk about the city. The roads are the only method of reaching their destinations as the pavements are treacherous. The snow is now compacted ice.
I considered driving this morning but walked onto the main road and realised it was full of other motorists who chose to use the road as a walking route.
I understand your frustration voice of reason, but people in urgent need to get to work such as those working in A&E, have to get there by foot.
jay316
says...
3:33pm Thu 7 Jan 10
deni wrote:Deni, don't think you have been singled out on Eastern Road, hardly anywhere has been gritted..
Just read the councils website apparently they have gritted Eastern Road. Well they must have used invisible grit as my mum lives in Eastern Road and the pavement is like an ice rink. Use the 'payback to society' people to grit pavements much more punishment than gardening or litter clearing.
Brighton Council want the public to Shovel, Sweep and Salt outside their own property. If they bring me Salt I'd be happy to do it..
Brighton council has 300 tons of salt, they probably have 299 tons left.
I believe from the messages on Twitter, that Brighton Council hasn't been gritting even the roads they claim, such as Southover Street, Islingworld Road << where the hell that is .. no street in brighton called islingworld road, islingwood road maybe :)
You'd think if they want to the town to be operation, they'd do the main bus/taxi routes, allowing people to at least get to shops.
I have a lovely picture for everyone (caption.. Brighton is Closed, Turn around now):
http://a3.twimg.com/
profile_images/61594
9393/made_at_www.jpg
Voice of Unreason
says...
3:36pm Thu 7 Jan 10
TheInsider wrote:Sure - I understand that. My point was - having both walked and driven today - that actually the pavements are no more treacherous and icy than the roads. The roads (at least up here in Hollingdean) are compacted ice as well. But the pavements are far, far safer.
The police and Sussex Coast Ambulance asked people not to drive unless absolutely vital. The health services are at breaking point and the ambulance are only attending the top level 999 calls so people leaving their homes unnecessarily poses a risk to services whether by road or on foot. This will be another reason buses are not running, to keep public off the streets and at home until the worst passes. if a packed bus had an accident, our emergency services would struggle to deal with it. The county hospital is also at full stretch. The people who work in these places, and those who are in other services which are vital to keeping services running, such as electric and gas, care workers, etc, have no choice but to walk about the city. The roads are the only method of reaching their destinations as the pavements are treacherous. The snow is now compacted ice. I considered driving this morning but walked onto the main road and realised it was full of other motorists who chose to use the road as a walking route. I understand your frustration voice of reason, but people in urgent need to get to work such as those working in A&E, have to get there by foot.
It wasn't frustration, but a genuine warning.
From first hand experience - if one is driving down a hill and there's someone walking along the road in front of you (with headphones on - which I actually saw today), it is very difficult to stop safely and quickly, even if you are driving at a snail's pace.
My point was that I think pedestrians are unaware that a car can't stop or even slow down anything like as fast as normal - but very few pedestrians are making allowances for that.
jay316
says...
3:36pm Thu 7 Jan 10
As a guide check http://www.buses.co.
uk/news/weather.aspx as this will give you a rough idea of where is accessible (as buses are using)
jay316
says...
3:39pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Officeboy
says...
3:52pm Thu 7 Jan 10
What a great administration this city has.
The Brighton Bear
says...
4:11pm Thu 7 Jan 10
someone000
says...
4:15pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Voice of Unreason
says...
4:39pm Thu 7 Jan 10
The Brighton Bear wrote:Totally. I had run out of red wine.
I hope that your journey was essential Voice Of Unreason, especially travelling on icy roads.
That's a joke....
Yes, of course it was, and I will be doing everything I can not to have to repeat the experience, I can assure you.
But it can be done, as long as you are careful, and have some previous experience of driving on snow and ice.
If you have never done it before, these are not the conditions to try and learn in.
hove
says...
4:43pm Thu 7 Jan 10
On the other hand, my brother phoned the council this morning to offer his services for gritting and pavement clearing.He was on hold for 20 minutes,then was eventually put through....to the housing benefits office...twice:(
scott2
says...
4:58pm Thu 7 Jan 10
People seem to think salt is some wonder material that will completely melt away the snow.
If there's ice you need more than salt, you need a shovel to crack it open. We've all defrosted fridges before and we know how hard ice is to get off.
The council probably half salted & gritted a lot of streets people think they haven't done. But there's no certainty that gritting a street will clear ice and make it usable.
We are experiencing unusual weather conditions, the council can't fix everything as it's beyond their control. Get the shovels out! Especially business owners.
kkj
says...
5:06pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Voice of Unreason wrote:So, In what sort of conditions should someone learn to drive in ice and snow?
The Brighton Bear wrote: I hope that your journey was essential Voice Of Unreason, especially travelling on icy roads.Totally. I had run out of red wine. That's a joke.... Yes, of course it was, and I will be doing everything I can not to have to repeat the experience, I can assure you. But it can be done, as long as you are careful, and have some previous experience of driving on snow and ice. If you have never done it before, these are not the conditions to try and learn in.
Just wondering.
The Brighton Bear
says...
5:21pm Thu 7 Jan 10
kkj wrote:Ice and snow I guess?
Voice of Unreason wrote:So, In what sort of conditions should someone learn to drive in ice and snow? Just wondering.The Brighton Bear wrote: I hope that your journey was essential Voice Of Unreason, especially travelling on icy roads.Totally. I had run out of red wine. That's a joke.... Yes, of course it was, and I will be doing everything I can not to have to repeat the experience, I can assure you. But it can be done, as long as you are careful, and have some previous experience of driving on snow and ice. If you have never done it before, these are not the conditions to try and learn in.
birthofanorange
says...
5:31pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Saker-Clive
says...
5:35pm Thu 7 Jan 10
........yet as soon as we get a little sprinkling of the white stuff, the councils, emergency services are now using them. There have also been calls for owners to use their vehicles to help deliver meals on wheels etc. I sincerely hope that they remember this at the next budget when they hammer US 4x4 drivers again on tax etc. I accept that 90% of owners have only bumped the odd kerb but the other 10% of us that do use our vehicles off road as well as on shouldn't be penalised especially if we can prove we use our vehicles for what they are designed for and NOT a fashion/status symbol!!
I have been out and helped people in mine. Before xmas, I went and got people into our place of work because they were unable to get in.............
Saffron
says...
5:38pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Bryan taxi driver wrote:I did just that. Cleared the snow from the pavement outside our house yesterday. Not once but three times as the grit didn't seem capable of deterring the snow from settling. But by nightfall I had mastered it! Today, I saw a family, including children, passing the house carrying great blocks of snow and one of the children gleefully dumped it all over the cleared pavement. When I called out, one of the children tried to kick it to one side but one of the adults in the party looked at me as if I was being very unreasonable. I despair.
people keep complaining about the council about what they are doing and not doing!!!!! why don't people get out and start clearing paths outside there houses and there eldly neighbours houses!!!! plus they could do what i've been doing is clearing the road where the tyre tracks run so it will clear quicker for us all to get around a lot quicker!!!! so people stop moaning and do something for you and everybody else in don't take long to clear a bit of snow.
Saffron
says...
5:43pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Gerro wrote:Does anyone know why no buses have run along the A259? I can understand them not going 'inland' at Saltdean & Peacehaven but there is no excuse for a service not running along the main road. Mind you a number of vehicles travelling west have redesigned the railings at the Rottingdean lights, apparently because the westbound carriageway of the A259 wasn't gritted until lunchtime. Or does anyone know better.
Oh, and as the A259 from Newhaven to Rottingdean is apparently "unusable" for buses according to B&H website...(despite their great bus lane which obviously has not been gritted)...we don't even have a public transport alternative!
Voice of Unreason
says...
5:54pm Thu 7 Jan 10
kkj wrote:Just something less extreme and more forgiving than the layer of slush from yesterday, which is now frozen solid on the road surface, and which now has frozen rutted snow on top which in places is polished to an icy sheen.
Voice of Unreason wrote:So, In what sort of conditions should someone learn to drive in ice and snow? Just wondering.The Brighton Bear wrote: I hope that your journey was essential Voice Of Unreason, especially travelling on icy roads.Totally. I had run out of red wine. That's a joke.... Yes, of course it was, and I will be doing everything I can not to have to repeat the experience, I can assure you. But it can be done, as long as you are careful, and have some previous experience of driving on snow and ice. If you have never done it before, these are not the conditions to try and learn in.
The snow we had last month was a lot more forgiving, and would have been perfect for a little bit of practice.
But I guess you probably didn't want a real answer :-)
The point of my original post was to to state the bleedin obvious:
It really IS bad out there, and not your run of the mill light snowfall.
It needs to be treated with respect.
The Brighton Bear
says...
6:35pm Thu 7 Jan 10
We were warned not to go out on the roads last time, but your advice was to go out and get a little bit of practice!
Runner50
says...
6:51pm Thu 7 Jan 10
I have both driven (into work) and walked on the pavements today. It was easier walking on the pavement with the compacted snow then sliding on the icy roads.
Salt only works over -4 so that is probably why it isn't having much effect. The grit needs cars to break it down into the ice ...no cars, no effect. The Gritters are out (I've seen them) and the poor guys are working flat out. I actually thanked a group gritting a road junction this morning. I am sure, like me, they are sick of hearing you lot, who are beginning to sound like a broken record, going on about lack of gritting.
Its extreme weather for the UK, get on with it and act accordingly. So what if you can't get out for a couple of days...what is the worst that is going to happen?
cheezburger
says...
7:03pm Thu 7 Jan 10
30vv
Voice of Unreason
says...
7:25pm Thu 7 Jan 10
The Brighton Bear wrote:You really are a numpty, and why I was out in my car is absolutely nothing to do with you - or anyone else for that matter.
So, Voice Of Unreason, it was a little bit of 'essential' practice that got you out in your car today then. We were warned not to go out on the roads last time, but your advice was to go out and get a little bit of practice!
The Brighton Bear
says...
7:52pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Lots of drivers are on the roads for no particular reason so don't feel as though you have to explain your reasons on here!
stan bailey
says...
8:41pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Saker-Clive wrote:What better than electric cars?
What makes me laugh is over the past 5 years or so, the government, councils and green parties have denounced the use of 4x4 as being gas guzzling mosters with no real valid use on our highways............
........yet as soon as we get a little sprinkling of the white stuff, the councils, emergency services are now using them. There have also been calls for owners to use their vehicles to help deliver meals on wheels etc. I sincerely hope that they remember this at the next budget when they hammer US 4x4 drivers again on tax etc. I accept that 90% of owners have only bumped the odd kerb but the other 10% of us that do use our vehicles off road as well as on shouldn't be penalised especially if we can prove we use our vehicles for what they are designed for and NOT a fashion/status symbol!!
I have been out and helped people in mine. Before xmas, I went and got people into our place of work because they were unable to get in.............
tina73
says...
9:27pm Thu 7 Jan 10
davyboy
says...
9:47pm Thu 7 Jan 10
tina73 wrote:WTF???
alot of peoples are saying about how bad the roads are,but its not just the roads what suffer from attention from the council in this weather,peoples too! me and my partner having 4 kids,the youngest is just gone 4years old and since saturday we got no heating or hot water,i called the council emergency on saturday and they send out someone from robert heath heating (on sunday),he said we need new pipes and that someone would come to fix it on wednesday and since yesterday,they calling me up more then 3times a day to tell me what the driver is doing and in the end he cant get out his driveway,now by the second day,they even get quiet unfriendly of saying that he wont be out,so i am saying is,life is just gone to a stand by since we got the snow,not even every school puts grid down and i go to the pet shop to buy grid (normally for my birds,but they still got enough) so my footpath isnt slippery.thats all i have to say for now :)
cheezburger
says...
9:50pm Thu 7 Jan 10
140258
says...
10:32pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Runner50
says...
10:54pm Thu 7 Jan 10
Its actually not only B&H council that are struggling...many councils are running out of salt...nationally there will be a shortage. In parts of Scotland they have been cut off for a couple of weeks, but everyone pulls together and gets on with what they can. Aberdeen has been having similar problems with icy pavements and so called lack of gritting. So please stop this consent bleating on about the conditions of the roads and pavements.
I don't see that the Council or the Gritters are asking for commendation..they are simply trying to do the best in difficult conditions...what are you doing?
Don't worry in a couple of months you will be complaining about the heat!
John60
says...
8:03am Fri 8 Jan 10
Saker-Clive
says...
9:27am Fri 8 Jan 10
stan bailey wrote:lol; I'd imaging the cells would freeze up and drain much quicker in these low temperatures. Think of the extra weight of the vehicle having to carry all that hi-tech equipment and cells.
Saker-Clive wrote: What makes me laugh is over the past 5 years or so, the government, councils and green parties have denounced the use of 4x4 as being gas guzzling mosters with no real valid use on our highways............ ........yet as soon as we get a little sprinkling of the white stuff, the councils, emergency services are now using them. There have also been calls for owners to use their vehicles to help deliver meals on wheels etc. I sincerely hope that they remember this at the next budget when they hammer US 4x4 drivers again on tax etc. I accept that 90% of owners have only bumped the odd kerb but the other 10% of us that do use our vehicles off road as well as on shouldn't be penalised especially if we can prove we use our vehicles for what they are designed for and NOT a fashion/status symbol!! I have been out and helped people in mine. Before xmas, I went and got people into our place of work because they were unable to get in.............What better than electric cars?
Even on the news this morning, 4x4 owners have been thanked for their help in various situations.
Voice of Unreason
says...
9:33am Fri 8 Jan 10
You can't blame everything on the council, you have to take some responsibility for yourself.
I have a pair of boots, and the difference between them and a pair of trainers in this weather is quite something.
John60
says...
9:40am Fri 8 Jan 10
Voice of Unreason wrote:Well bully for you! And for your information I have waterproof hiking boots as I have 2 dogs that need a daily 3 mile walk! There's always one isn't there!
All these people complaining about the pavements being dangerous. Could I suggest that as this seems to be becoming an annual event, that you all go out and buy some suitable waterproof hiking boots?
You can't blame everything on the council, you have to take some responsibility for yourself.
I have a pair of boots, and the difference between them and a pair of trainers in this weather is quite something.
puddingandpi
says...
9:41am Fri 8 Jan 10
Runner50
says...
9:49am Fri 8 Jan 10
And how about everybody making a point of thanking at least one person today for carrying on in the difficult conditions. I think you will find it serves a better purpose then all your whinging.
And so ruddy well what if your recyling doesn't get collected...its hardly likely to be the end of the world.
TheInsider
says...
10:36am Fri 8 Jan 10
The top of Coombe Road is a block of ice and a short while ago a lorry and two cars were stuck with their wheels spinning at the very top, trying to turn right to reach Bear Road. It is almost unusable now.
The police came and helped clear the route, but the road is extremely precarious.
ssilkystone
says...
10:56am Fri 8 Jan 10
tonyinbrighton
says...
11:35am Fri 8 Jan 10
TheInsider
says...
11:37am Fri 8 Jan 10
Thousands of people on a housing waiting list while landlords pack their homes with thousands of students who are not in these homes for six months of the year.
There are dozens of student houses in my street which have been empty since the beginning of December and which are empty during all holidays.
What a waste of family homes.
Not only that, these student landlords don't pay council tax so there is less money being paid into our city tax pot so there is even less money to spend.
The problem is you will find that a number of councillors are landlords enjoying the benefits.
Local homes for local people who live in them all year.
Come on council. Local people should not be homeless or in hostels.
JamboBrighton
says...
12:05pm Fri 8 Jan 10
ssilkystone
says...
12:32pm Fri 8 Jan 10
TheInsider wrote:Thanks insider, those who make the descisions regarding housing policy are proberly those high earners who benifit from a housing policy keeping supply and demand to the benifit of buy to let landlords and unearned income, how come rent in the private sector are so high!! its because the social sector is only for those deemed worthy, one bedroom flats at £157 a week and largly paid by housing benifit, itys like giving the rich there tax back.
ssilkystone you are spot on. Thousands of people on a housing waiting list while landlords pack their homes with thousands of students who are not in these homes for six months of the year. There are dozens of student houses in my street which have been empty since the beginning of December and which are empty during all holidays. What a waste of family homes. Not only that, these student landlords don't pay council tax so there is less money being paid into our city tax pot so there is even less money to spend. The problem is you will find that a number of councillors are landlords enjoying the benefits. Local homes for local people who live in them all year. Come on council. Local people should not be homeless or in hostels.
oh dear
says...
12:38pm Fri 8 Jan 10
Runner50 wrote:Quite right!
Quite and the bright spark who called it a light dusting of snow needs to go and re-check it. I have both driven (into work) and walked on the pavements today. It was easier walking on the pavement with the compacted snow then sliding on the icy roads. Salt only works over -4 so that is probably why it isn't having much effect. The grit needs cars to break it down into the ice ...no cars, no effect. The Gritters are out (I've seen them) and the poor guys are working flat out. I actually thanked a group gritting a road junction this morning. I am sure, like me, they are sick of hearing you lot, who are beginning to sound like a broken record, going on about lack of gritting. Its extreme weather for the UK, get on with it and act accordingly. So what if you can't get out for a couple of days...what is the worst that is going to happen?
-Can I just add that there are a lot of people in the council working really hard (as, a lot of you will be surprised to hear, that is the case throughout the year) against these conditions. I imagine it is pretty disheartening to work in what is probably a fairly thankless job anyway to then stumble upon all of this.
Voice of Unreason
says...
12:41pm Fri 8 Jan 10
John60 wrote:Well bully for you. Is it your age that's 60 or your IQ?
Voice of Unreason wrote: All these people complaining about the pavements being dangerous. Could I suggest that as this seems to be becoming an annual event, that you all go out and buy some suitable waterproof hiking boots? You can't blame everything on the council, you have to take some responsibility for yourself. I have a pair of boots, and the difference between them and a pair of trainers in this weather is quite something.Well bully for you! And for your information I have waterproof hiking boots as I have 2 dogs that need a daily 3 mile walk! There's always one isn't there!
Gerro
says...
1:00pm Fri 8 Jan 10
Man With No Name
says...
1:36pm Fri 8 Jan 10
tina73 wrote:Well at least you wont lose any benefits from staying at home because you cant get out during the snow, unlike many people(s) whos employers wont pay them unless they can get in.
alot of peoples are saying about how bad the roads are,but its not just the roads what suffer from attention from the council in this weather,peoples too! me and my partner having 4 kids,the youngest is just gone 4years old and since saturday we got no heating or hot water,i called the council emergency on saturday and they send out someone from robert heath heating (on sunday),he said we need new pipes and that someone would come to fix it on wednesday and since yesterday,they calling me up more then 3times a day to tell me what the driver is doing and in the end he cant get out his driveway,now by the second day,they even get quiet unfriendly of saying that he wont be out,so i am saying is,life is just gone to a stand by since we got the snow,not even every school puts grid down and i go to the pet shop to buy grid (normally for my birds,but they still got enough) so my footpath isnt slippery.thats all i have to say for now :)
My road is a very steep hill and has not been gritted at any point during ANY of the periods of snow. There are no buses running anywhere near me, its a 2 mile walk to join my usual bus (no discount though lol)
I know its completely unfair to expect BHCC to be faultless in a situation that is hardly usual, but im starting to feel like they cant be ar*ed with North West Brighton at all... either that or they have forgotten where we are.
Runner50
says...
1:48pm Fri 8 Jan 10
Main roads around seem to be perfectly clear. And its great seeing kids out enjoying the outdoors.
Warden Park School requested volunteers to help clear the paths at the School ready for Monday ...what a great way to get a bit of exercise and some community spirit.
The Brighton Bear
says...
2:27pm Fri 8 Jan 10
John60 wrote:At least Voice Of Unreason isn't making a pest of himself on the roads today!
Voice of Unreason wrote: All these people complaining about the pavements being dangerous. Could I suggest that as this seems to be becoming an annual event, that you all go out and buy some suitable waterproof hiking boots? You can't blame everything on the council, you have to take some responsibility for yourself. I have a pair of boots, and the difference between them and a pair of trainers in this weather is quite something.Well bully for you! And for your information I have waterproof hiking boots as I have 2 dogs that need a daily 3 mile walk! There's always one isn't there!
ssilkystone
says...
2:27pm Fri 8 Jan 10
oldskool_raver
says...
2:54pm Fri 8 Jan 10
Whilst waiting for the bus I have just witnessed a guy pull up in his car and fill up 6 buckets and 3 large bags from the grit pile that was put at the end of the road! Obviously I can't say for sure that he wasn't filling up his boot to help other residents in his street, but people taking so much is not going to help the elderly man that lives across the road from me, get safely down his path. There's not enough grit... so only take what you need. I'm going to walk down there and get a bucket full for the man over the road (if there's any left). I have a young family that are more able to get out without falling and breaking bones so I'm not going to get any for us. If everybody looked out for the people that need the most help and stopped being so selfish then it will make life easier for everyone. It's easier to grit an elderly persons path rather than having to help an ambulance get to them when they've fallen over!!
tekniko
says...
6:44pm Fri 8 Jan 10
TheInsider
says...
6:56pm Fri 8 Jan 10
Most of the people I see out in them are tradesmen who use them for their own businesses.
I did see a young girl in a small 'fashion' jeep type vehicle yesterday as it slew all over a steep hill. She got out and a chap had to park it up for her.
The Brighton Bear
says...
7:02pm Fri 8 Jan 10
TheInsider wrote:That could have been Voice of Unreason!
People only bemoaned 4X4 'fashion' drivers...dare I say it Yuppie mums dropping their kids off on the zig zags outside schools and none of these types seem to be taking their 'useful' vehicles on the road. They probably don't want to scratch them. Most of the people I see out in them are tradesmen who use them for their own businesses. I did see a young girl in a small 'fashion' jeep type vehicle yesterday as it slew all over a steep hill. She got out and a chap had to park it up for her.
deni
says...
7:28pm Fri 8 Jan 10
Would of been nice if the other neighbours laughing at us joined in, maybe then we could of gritted more of the area......
Saker-Clive
says...
7:33pm Fri 8 Jan 10
tekniko wrote:I did send in a letter to the Letters section titled, Cure or Scurge but it hasn't been published!!! I've been driving 4x4's for 10 years for my falconry and shooting and work. Seems strange that the last 5 years or so, the Government, Councils and green parties have all denounced the use of them, then when 90% of the country are unable to get about, there are pleas from the media and councils for us to now go out and help by taking our monster gas guzzling vehicles out!!! I only hope they remember this at the next budget when they hammer us again on taxation etc. The people they should be slating are the 'fashion statement' people that buy them and the only off roading they do is the occaisional kerb bumping!!!!
I hear no-one complaining about 4x4 drivers now? All I hear in during the rest of the year is gas guzzlers, Chelsea tractors, increased road tax etc. All the moaners and groaners, please remember 4x4 drivers in these conditions.
Tye
says...
8:47am Sat 9 Jan 10
Dwayno wrote:saw a local teacher on the TV - stated they HAD to close skools due to elf'n' safety IF the Police tell us only to drive if your journey is "necessary"
I've always wondered why Schools close at the drop of a hat when it snows???? Why??
Maybe all these scares could be addressed when this snow is over - some teachers are terrified of being sued - others do their best to open the school - Its the same Law everywhere so maybe a misunderstanding about elfnsafety ?
clarification would be good
same with the you must NOT clear snow otherwise yiu can be sued scare and the councils one minute stating they are not responsible for pavements and when only after loads of broken limbs it IS their responsibility
Variable
says...
9:11am Sat 9 Jan 10
The council is busy covering the town with a layer of sand - not grit and salt, simple beach sand.
When the snow melts that's all going to wash into the drains and they are going to choke.
Expect the next crisis to involve floods, pumps, and all that.
Nyberg
says...
10:40am Sat 9 Jan 10
Even the main arterial routes were covered in a layer of brown snow / ice. Nowhere is safe to drive.
I have been fairly patient with the council, but not anymore.
Why is it that Davey Drive - a MAIN route up to Hollingdean - and on a steep hill - still hasn't been gritted by the council? This road serves thousands of people, and has been just about impassable now for 3 days.
If I didn't know better I might think that us working class estates are lower on the pecking order.
Or is it that we are all being 'kettled' by the authorities, who don't want us out and about?
Dwayno
says...
11:57am Sat 9 Jan 10
Nyberg wrote:No such thing as "Working Class" estates. The "Working Classes" are in fact the middle class folk who pay huge amounts of tax, pay huges sums of private rent, work long hours and get NOTHING in return from the goverment. The class you are refering to is the "Lay About Class"/"Benefit Hand Out Class"/"Jeremy Kyle Class" (*Delete as applicable)
I had to go out in the car this morning and the roads are worse today than yesterday, if that's possible. Even the main arterial routes were covered in a layer of brown snow / ice. Nowhere is safe to drive. I have been fairly patient with the council, but not anymore. Why is it that Davey Drive - a MAIN route up to Hollingdean - and on a steep hill - still hasn't been gritted by the council? This road serves thousands of people, and has been just about impassable now for 3 days. If I didn't know better I might think that us working class estates are lower on the pecking order. Or is it that we are all being 'kettled' by the authorities, who don't want us out and about?
TheInsider
says...
12:05pm Sat 9 Jan 10
snowballs
says...
12:09pm Sat 9 Jan 10
cing
says...
1:56pm Sat 9 Jan 10
snowballs wrote:Yeah, right. I moved to Brighton because I wanted sun and sea. This is completely unacceptable. I blame the schools.
Why-oh-why when i look out of my window is it snowing YET again? Come on B&H Council, sort it out. I don't pay my Council tax and expect to be subjected to bad weather conditions that might mean I'm better off staying indoors for a couple of days.
ssilkystone
says...
2:14pm Sat 9 Jan 10
Dwayno wrote:What planet are you on Dwayno, the differance between the suffering working class and middleclass is obviously behond you, but if the amount of time and money was spent securing decent jobs, not only for the over paid professionals but the working class then those unemployed workers you refer to would be gainfully employed earning more than £5.80 per hour, only to end up paying huge rents back to the rich, most of the gritters are working class who have turned in for work unlike a lot of the middleclasses paid not to attend.
Nyberg wrote: I had to go out in the car this morning and the roads are worse today than yesterday, if that's possible. Even the main arterial routes were covered in a layer of brown snow / ice. Nowhere is safe to drive. I have been fairly patient with the council, but not anymore. Why is it that Davey Drive - a MAIN route up to Hollingdean - and on a steep hill - still hasn't been gritted by the council? This road serves thousands of people, and has been just about impassable now for 3 days. If I didn't know better I might think that us working class estates are lower on the pecking order. Or is it that we are all being 'kettled' by the authorities, who don't want us out and about?No such thing as "Working Class" estates. The "Working Classes" are in fact the middle class folk who pay huge amounts of tax, pay huges sums of private rent, work long hours and get NOTHING in return from the goverment. The class you are refering to is the "Lay About Class"/"Benefit Hand Out Class"/"Jeremy Kyle Class" (*Delete as applicable)
Nyberg
says...
2:59pm Sat 9 Jan 10
mintyboy
says...
3:39pm Sat 9 Jan 10
the a259 is closed because of it.
only 25 years in brighton
says...
5:06pm Sat 9 Jan 10
Runner50
says...
6:02pm Sat 9 Jan 10
Dwayno...fantastic :-)
cold1
says...
8:40am Sun 10 Jan 10
Not a bus route, no essential services, and the taxpaying residents of Coldean over the road once again ignored!
After finishing, he switched off his lights and headed off over the hill, probably to do another bit of private gritting in Patcham?
Stu
says...
12:46pm Sun 10 Jan 10
Nyberg wrote:I agree it's very annoying! Seems to have stopped today though.
Pleas stop the terrible video loading automatically.
stan bailey
says...
12:55pm Sun 10 Jan 10
cold1 wrote:Really not acceptable as students do not pay council tax, but those who do are ignored
We hear that councils have been told to cut back on their gritting (now, that's a laugh!) so can the powers that be explain why a Council gritter was gritting the essentially private roads in the University of Brighton's Varley Halls last night?
Not a bus route, no essential services, and the taxpaying residents of Coldean over the road once again ignored!
After finishing, he switched off his lights and headed off over the hill, probably to do another bit of private gritting in Patcham?
UglyAmerican
says...
1:56pm Sun 10 Jan 10
puddingandpi
says...
4:02pm Sun 10 Jan 10
Doesn't Brighton General have some 4x4s they could lend? They have a transport dept.
mummy of 2 says...
8:04am Wed 6 Jan 10