Team needed to clear snow in Thetford

Thetford Town Council is looking for people who are prepared to brave the winter weather before it makes paths impassable and to ensure their neighbours have access to shops and services.

These people would be responsible for clearing snow and ice from the pavements in their area and gritting them. Equipment and training would be provided.

Acting town clerk Susan Glossop said she was looking for as many people as possible to get in touch.

'Norfolk County Council doesn't clear pavements any more so last year when we had the snow people were ringing up and getting very upset,' she said.

'People wouldn't have to do it, it's just voluntary and they're not committed, but we normally find that people do want to get involved.

'Everything would be provided but it's just the bodies that we need – it's no good leaving it until the last minute when we have snow, we have to be prepared.'

The scheme was set up by Norfolk County Council last winter. Now Aylsham, Diss, Holt, Methwold, Swaffham and Wells are among other towns and villages planning to use local volunteers in the same way.

Norfolk County Council highways engineer Paul Groom said the aim was to enhance the authority's commitment to clearing snow and ice in winter months.

'This is over and above what the highways authority provides now,' he said.

'It's about giving the community more chance to clear and make an impact on their town so we're looking for people on the estate roads and on the general estates.

'If they come forward we can look to try to target these areas that, being realistic, the county council can't get to because they're committed to the major Norfolk network already.'

Mr Groom added that grit bins, provided by the town council, would be installed once it was known which areas the volunteers would cover.

To volunteer for the Thetford scheme call Thetford Town Council on 01842 754247 and ask for Susan Glossop.

rebecca.gough@archant.co.uk