Express & Star

Council recruiting snow volunteers despite warm weather

The Black Country may be basking in glorious sunshine – but let's not get carried away...

Published

On the basis that you can never trust the British weather, Wolverhampton Council put out a call for snow volunteers – and are proudly boasting an army of new recruits.

Some 35 volunteers from businesses in Wednesfield High Street have signed up to Snow Wolves, the scheme that sees members of the public assist council officers in clearing snow and ice from pavements when the winter weather hits.

The council says that 'despite unusually high temperatures', the take-up has been impressive.

The scheme, now in its fourth year, has around 300 volunteers and the authority is looking to drum up more, with the aim of hitting the 1,000-mark by the end of the year.

This time last year saw the arrival of the ‘Beast from the East’ – one of the longest periods of extreme cold weather and heavy snowfall in the UK.

But this winter temperatures have barely dipped below freezing. And on Monday(25th), the mercury topped 20C in several parts of the country – the warmest winter day since records began.

Nevertheless city chiefs have been ploughing ahead with the scheme 'due to the unpredictable nature of the weather', delivering snow shovels, salt shakers and grit bins.

Wednesfield councillor Greg Brackenridge said: "The council and Wednesfield businesses are working closely together to ensure shops are open no matter what the weather. Wednesfield is prepared if the weather takes a turn for the worst.”

Jesse Croot, secretary of the Traders Association, said: “When the snow hit last year, many of us were concerned about customers slipping on our premises.

"Now we are part of the Snow Wolves, we know we have the resources we need to clear the snow and prevent any accidents."

Applications for the Snow Wolves scheme is open throughout the year. Anyone interested in joining can find out more at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/snowwolves.