‘LESSONS must be learnt’ from heavy snow which fell on Barnsley’s most rural communities earlier this month - described as the worst in more than a decade - after residents were stranded for more than a week.
In Parliament, Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, questioned the government on what more can be done to improve extreme cases of snow - particularly in rural areas - by increasing resources to local authorities including gritting and snow ploughs.
She highlighted that her constituency - which includes communities such as Dunford Bridge and Ingbirchworth - was hit by the worst snow in 15 years, with almost a foot of snow on the ground for nearly a week due to sub-zero temperatures.
However, she commended the efforts of Barnsley Council staff, whose teams were out for eight days solid.
Marie said: “I have spoken to multiple constituents about the impact of the extreme weather.
“I told ministers about the heavy snowfall, leaving disabled and older residents, schools and GP surgeries blocked in by snow.
“I want to thank Barnsley Council for their hard work gritting essential roads and I welcome the government’s commitment to working with local resilience forums for future extreme weather events.
“Having grown up in our constituency, I remember the snow drills we had at school and living in our communities am aware of the need for further concerted action to enable local people to go to work, school and access health facilities.
“I will continue to ensure that extreme weather response improves for our communities and do all I can as your MP to get out information quickly about help and support to areas affected.
“I asked the government what more could be done to improve responses to in significant snowfall in rural areas like ours.
“Increased gritting resources and access to snowploughs, including specialist ones for schools and community services, should be looked at.”
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, praised council employees’ response to dealing with the snow - but admitted the period had been challenging.
He added: “I’d like to give my heartfelt thanks and gratitude all Barnsley Council teams who’ve supported the response to the severe weather.
“We continue to make sure that our staff are working safely in these icy conditions, we don’t want anyone to slip and become injured, and I’m grateful to all staff for their continued efforts.
“I would also like to thank residents for their patience through this challenging period of disruption.”
