We are all aware of the impact severe winter weather can have on our lives. We are working to prepare for severe weather to minimise the impact, but everyone can help by preparing for the winter.
Social Care
Winter weather can have a great impact on our community. You can help by calling on your neighbours to check if they are warm, well and have enough food.
In extreme weather conditions, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) co-ordinates the Council’s critical services and endeavours to minimise any disruption to members of the public, in particular the most vulnerable members of our community.
Meals on Wheels
The meals on wheels service is classed as a priority and is supported using resources from across the council. We will endeavour to deliver meals on wheels to clients throughout the Vale despite the snow. If necessary, mangers of this service will make every effort to formulate alternative arrangements on a case by case basis and communicate this to you, your family or your carer.
Home Care
Home Care (Domiciliary) Services provided both via the Council and Council-funded providers will have the support of the Council home care team. Where funded providers require it, the Council services will support them where possible to ensure care needs of vulnerable service users are met.
Residential Homes
During severe weather all the Council’s care homes will be fully operational, with staff working patterns that are flexible to ensure that the residents are looked after.
Day Centres
Service at our day centres may be subject to limitations due to the weather. We will endeavour to contact clients at home and we provide visiting support and advice
Council Services
Schools
Rapid notice of school closures is essential for parents and guardians of our school pupils. We have introduced a text messaging system. This will enable schools to text the notice of its status (Open, Open staff only, Open Exams only, Closed) to the Council’s contact centre, C1V (Contact One Vale). This will then quickly and efficiently be placed on the Council's website and Twitter account.
Rubbish Collections and Civic Amenities Sites
Every effort will be made to continue rubbish collection. Additional staff resources and innovative ways of operating will be used to support the delivery of this service, but the safety of the public, our staff and vehicles is paramount. The decision to alter normal operations will be made taking into account the current, and forecast, weather conditions.
Once the decision has been made on the services below, information will be communicated to the public as soon as known:
- Black bags
- Kitchen waste
- Co-mingled recycling collections
- Opening hours and any limitations at our Civic Amenity Sites in Atlantic Trading Estate and Llandow
Weddings and Civil Partnerships
We will endeavour to make sure that our Registrars attend Marriage and Civil Partnership ceremonies. Resources will be allocated to ensure that this service continues to be provided
Registration of Births and Deaths
There may be disruption to this service and opening times may have to be changed. Please contact the Register Office before attending to register.
By law a baby’s birth must be registered within 42 days of the date of birth.
Leisure Services
There may be disruption to this service and opening times may have to be change. Please contact your local Leisure Centre before attending. All leisure centres can now be contacted on 01446 403000
Parks and Grounds
There may be disruption to this service and opening times may have to be changed. Please check the Vale of Glamorgan website for further information.
Snow Clearing and Salting
The government have published The Snow Code to give some practical advice about clearing snow and ice from around your property and helping your neighbours. Here are a few tips for snow clearance:
- If possible, clear snow when it's fresh, as it's easier to move
- Do not use hot water, as it can re-freeze, making conditions more hazardous
- Apply salt sparingly - a tablespoon can treat as much as a square metre of ice
- Table salt or dishwasher salt can be used to melt snow and ice
- Sand, grit or ash can be used but they will not melt snow or ice, simply provide more grip