Council Confirms Most Services Operating As Normal During Current Cold Snap

Published on: 1 Mar, 2018
Updated on: 1 Mar, 2018

Guildford Borough Council has said that despite the cold weather most of its services are operating as usual, adding: “Our priorities remain the safety of the public and our staff and helping our most vulnerable residents to make sure they have all they need.”

The council states that it continue to review the situation and latest updates and advice will be posted on its website www.guildford.gov.uk , twitter and Facebook at @GuildfordBC. Alternatively, call 01483 505050.

It asks the public to pass information on to neighbours and anyone without online access.

Community care:

The council will be contacting its customers directly each day to let them know what is happening and to make sure they are ok.

Community Meals will operate as normal, but will start deliveries early to accommodate any extra meals required by those who are unable to attend their normal day centre.

To reduce travel and other risks for people who usually attend, none of its day centres were open on Thursday (March 1). The council has been undertaking a phone welfare check and offers a hot meal through its Community Meals service.

Homeless and rough sleeping

The council has said that it is working with its partners to make sure everyone who wants a place has somewhere safe and warm to sleep.

There is more information on the council’s website at www.guildford.gov.uk/roughsleeping

Anyone who has concerns about those sleeping rough or who appears to be homeless, email GuildfordHost@riverside.org.uk or calling on 01483 302495.

There is also a national rough sleeper Streetlink reporting line. Visit the Streetlink website to find out more or call on 0300 500 901.

Recycling and food waste

All the council’s crews were out collecting food waste and recycling on Thursday and the council says “we will do our best to get to everyone with a scheduled collection”.

The council adds: “Check for further updates as things may change due to the weather.”

Parking

All its car parks are open and have been gritted. The upper levels of Leapale Road and York Road car parks have been closed as a precaution. The park and ride services are operating as usual.

The leader of the council, Paul Spooner, added: “We continue to work together across the council to keep our services running and prepare in case of worsening weather.

“We prioritise helping our most vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly and the homeless who rely on our vital services, to make sure they are safe and have all they need. We ask everyone to support their local community in any way possible and to check on their neighbours to make sure they are well.

“We plan ahead for a variety of emergency situations and we are anticipating more severe weather over the next few days. Surrey County Council is responsible for schools, highways and gritting the roads and we help support them with clearing and gritting pavements wherever possible.

“I urge residents to check both councils’ websites for advice and information before and during any future disruption if they can.”