Adverse Weather Planning at EHDC

Introduction

Last winter saw some of the heaviest snowfalls in years plunge East Hampshire into a total whiteout.  In Petersfield and the surrounding area up to 30 cm of snow fell on the evening of Tuesday 5th Jan. Cold temperatures in the area meant that fallen snow did not melt for some time, limiting vehicle movements for several weeks in some areas.

While children indulged in sledging and snowmen it was no fun for businesses and workers who struggled with perilous driving conditions to get the job done.

As always East Hampshire residents worked hard to help each other. Local farmers put their tractors and heavy machinery to good use clearing roads and local car parks, a 4x4 owners’ club helped to reach those in most need and residents cleared driveways and checked on their neighbours.

EHDC contractors helped out their Hampshire County Council counterparts by clearing snow and spreading grit on High Street roads and pavements and outside sheltered housing complexes, hospitals and doctors’ surgeries.

Rest centres were also set up around the district as roads, including the A3, became impassable. Sixty stranded motorists were taken to the Taro Leisure Centre by emergency services while impromptu shelters were opened in churches and local pubs. 

East Hampshire District Council had a debrief following the event and learnt a number of lessons from how we responded.  This year we have put a lot of work into ensuring that we are better equipped to respond to such an incident.  We hope that the following webpages will provide you with details of how different services will be dealing with snow and ice events.

Cemetery Services

Waste Collections

Car parks

Guidance on clearing snow from land

For further advice on any of these topics please contact the Council on 01730 266551.