Town Partnership puts emergency snow plan into action

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The Partnership has formed an Emergency Assistance Group to act quickly in the event of future snowfalls and risks of ice.

An early warning system will link the Group to the Lincolnshire County Council, the authority largely responsible for snow and ice clearance in the town. The Group fully intends to find the resources to also extend their support to helping East Lindsey District Council with the car parks.

When conditions on a given day indicate snowfall, Group members, led by Alan Mumby, Colin Rood, Mick Foreman, Gary Denniss and Mark Barnes will monitor weather forecasts that evening and, if deemed necessary, trigger an early response by a volunteer team who will salt the town centre’s pavements from 6am the next day.

Town Centre manager Mark Barnes said that the recent Arctic weather had arrived swiftly with medium to heavy snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures.

“As a result, local authorities were stretched to the limit,” he said. “Life in Louth was seriously disrupted. Most businesses, which at this time of year do brisk Christmas trading, reported significantly lower customer numbers. Many people simply could not get to the shops.

“So we called a meeting of Partnership members one day last week and the response was immediate and positive. By evening we had the Group and support infrastructure set up, local businessmen including Lee Brocklebank and Dave Fairbairn offering their services at no cost and necessary equipment like wheelbarrows, safety tabards and shovels ordered. Meantime Lincolnshire County Council have agreed to supply us with salt.

“As a result, and with the assistance of the various local authorities, we are ready to go. Already we have results on the board - last Saturday's market in Louth, originally cancelled due to the icy conditions, went ahead after our Emergency Group got together to clear the Cornmarket. We believe we have in place the infrastructure to ensure that regular markets will be able to go ahead as will the Christmas Market if snow or ice in the town centre is the reason for any cancellations

"It’s a tremendous outcome and in the true spirit of what the town partnership is all about."

It is planned that this Group will be able to react to any other emergency issues that might arise in the town in the future. Anyone who would like to donate funds or services to this volunteer initiative can contact Mark Barnes on 07917 628149 or email mark.barnes@e-lindsey.gov.uk