North East in a battle to keep going in blizzards
by WIN Admin — published in Press Releases
BLIZZARDS took their toll on businesses yesterday as councils and emergency services continued their battle to keep the region moving.
Heavy snowfalls across the North East continued to cause major disruption to motorists, schools, companies and farmers, with some areas of Northumberland reporting up to two feet of snow.
The terrible conditions meant the region’s two airports both faced delays and temporary closure as they continued their efforts to keep planes moving.
Many employees who could get to work had to head home again to care for children as many schools either closed early or failed to open at all. In all, 447 schools across the region closed.
Crucial events were cancelled, including a planning committee consultation to help Durham establish itself as an economic power.
Insurers have put the potential cost to North East businesses at millions of pounds a day, with some firms suggesting the snow could hit the Christmas trade retailers are relying on to boost profits for the year.
There are hopes that the region will be spared further blizzards today, as a band of snow moves south. However, it is expected to remain bitterly cold for days to come.
Services provided by local authorities also fell victim to the snow, with bin collections cancelled in North Tyneside, Newcastle, South Tyneside, Gateshead and Northumberland.
Other authorities said they had to divert staff from their usual jobs to help deal with the snow.
Director of neighbourhoods for Durham County Council Terry Collins said the early snow had been testing.
“We are doing everything we can. The gritting crews have covered the priority routes round the clock.
“We have enlisted the support of farmers who hold winter maintenance contracts to help clear other areas and we have redeployed staff from certain normal duties to help clear snow from pavements in high priority areas.
“Crews have been busy re-filling salt bins so that communities can also help themselves more and I would like to thank both staff and residents for their great support.”
Farmers across Northumberland also faced challenges. Charles Armstrong, 38, a farmer of North Charlton in Alnwick, Northumberland, said: “We have had a lot of extra work because we have to feed all the animals – that’s 10,000 sheep we are now feeding every day. Then getting from A to B has been very difficult. It will cost a lot to feed the animals but money is set aside for occasions like this.”
The region’s tourism industry also faced setbacks. Northumberland Tourism’s annual conference, due to take place today, was rescheduled for December 15 at Longhirst Hall near Morpeth.
At Cragside estate, near Rothbury, Northumberland, head gardener Alison Pringle said: “I thought the snow in January would be the worst but this tops that. We had five inches on Thursday and now it is over two feet.”
Mary Ann Rogers, one of the UK’s most popular wildlife artists, was supposed to hold her Christmas Exhibition at her studio in West Woodburn near Hexham but the snow made it difficult for customers to make it.
In North Tyneside bin collection drivers and crews were redirected to gritting and snow clearing duties.
North Tyneside Council’s head of Environmental Services Phil Scott said: “We have suspended collections to ensure the safety of the public and our crews.”
Source: Sarah Scott, The Journal