WELLINGTON Town Council has an emergency plan if the weather becomes even colder and snow falls later this week.

It held an emergency committee meeting in December to prepare for such a scenario.

A report of the meeting stated: “Consideration was given to any emergency arrangements that this council could put in place to complement the good work of the Highway Authority. The various grit bins located around the town would be inspected to ensure they were full.

“The council had on record offers of help in clearing snow from a couple of local contractors who had the appropriate equipment to clear roads, pavements and public areas if necessary, and they had confirmed that there were available to help if necessary again this year.

“Members were aware that the permission and approval of the Highway Authority would be needed if it was intended to use these contractors on the highway.

“Consideration was given to the areas of town to which priority should be given. Experience had shown that most problems in the past had been caused in areas where there were slopes and small hills. In addition the committee wanted to continue the support and assistance it had given to local care homes to keep their public access passable.

“A sum of £1,000 had been included in the 2017/18 estimates to cover the cost of this type of work. It was acknowledged that any action taken would be needs-led and it might be necessary to exceed the budget.

“The town clerk, Greg Dyke, felt that any additional reasonable costs accrued this year could be met from within the council’s contingency sum or could be taken from savings elsewhere. It was apparent that any work carried out by or on behalf of the town council would be limited by the amount of finance available. However, it was felt that a significant contribution could be made to the work carried out by others in an effort to keep roads and pavements useable. It would not be possible to satisfy every request for assistance so a considered approach was necessary.”