Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

MP launches campaign for better response to extreme weather

January 8, 2010 12:00 AM

Following the chaos in South Lakeland on this week's roads and pavements caused by the heavy snowfall, local MP Tim Farron will be launching his campaign for a better response to extreme weather.

Tim will launch the campaign at the Birdcage in Kendal at 11am tomorrow (Saturday 9th January) and will call on the County Council to put together an effective emergency plan to ensure that they are better prepared for the next batch of cold weather.

Tim said, "The current extreme weather has been matched by an extreme failure by the County Council. Gritters and snow ploughs were not deployed to residential or rural areas once the main routes had been cleared. Grit was barely available for residents in the form of full grit bins or grit piles to allow them to clear their own roads and estates. The County Council failed to inform householders and businesses of the accurate legal position - leaving many to wrongly fear that if they did clear ice or snow, they might be liable for any injuries that occurred."

In addition the County Council allowed its stocks of grit to get so low that it is now having to ration its use. The District Council who was keen to allow its employees to help with the clearance were, until recently, prevented from doing so due to lack of grit and other resources from County.

Tim has also called on the County Council to target help at older residents who are trapped in their homes. "Older people and others who are trapped in their homes should be prioritised for help so that we can ensure that they can safely get out."

"We all need to muck in together to help each other out during these extreme conditions, but we must immediately learn the lessons. There must be an effective emergency plan in place so that the County Council's response to extreme conditions is one we can be proud of, rather than angered by. We will face more snow and ice over the next few weeks, so we have no time to lose."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    timfarron.co.uk/en/article/2010/105690/mp-launches-campaign-for-better-response-to-extreme-weather
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    tf.lib.dm/a04z9

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image

    Print this page

  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join the Liberal Democrats

  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image

    Contact us by email, post, or phone