Volunteers needed to help clear snow in Uckfield this winter

Volunteers are sought to help clear snow in Uckfield and keep the town moving if there is a repeat of last winter's conditions.

County council gritters will work to keep the main roads clear, Wealden District Council teams will aim to keep car parks open and safe for use and Uckfield Chamber of Commerce is encouraging shops to do their bit by clearing pavements outside their stores but it is hoped residents will volunteer to help too.

Chamber president Peter Gale, of Swindells Accounting said: "Everyone benefits from the pavements being clear of snow - customers can get to the shops safely and traders get the benefit of the business they bring."

Uckfield Town Council is appealing for volunteers to help its grounds staff clear roads and pavements so residents can access essential services such as GPs' surgeries and the hospital.

Community spirit

"We have a great community spirit here in Uckfield," said Mayor Cllr John Carvey. "In past years Uckfielders have rallied round to help each other and themselves during the winter. What we're doing here is providing equipment and co-ordinating their efforts to help make sure people can get to where they need to go.

"When we get cut off, we need to get going with our own efforts rather than waiting for help to come from outside the town."

Green DIY, a member of the town's chamber of commerce, is offering cut-price supplies to High Street traders, with snow shovels for just £8.50 each, bags of salt for £6.50 and gloves for £3 a pair - or £17 for the whole pack.

The offer will run from October 17 to November 7 and supplies will be available from Green's store on the Bellbrook Industrial Estate while stocks last.

The offer is also available to community groups through the Town Council.

The scheme is being co-ordinated by the Wealden Local Strategic Partnership and it is hoped it will inspire other towns and parishes across Wealden to make similar preparations for winter.

Great opportunity

Cllr Claire Dowling, Wealden District Council cabinet member for corporate cervices and councillor for Uckfield Central, said, "I'm delighted to see this scheme being piloted in Uckfield.

"It's a great opportunity for residents and businesses to make a contribution to their town and to set an example which I hope others will follow."

East Sussex County Council has produced some simple tips and advice for clearing snow, which are available on their website, and the Government's paper Guidance on Community Action during Severe Weather gives more advice on what steps to take in winter, what you can do to help others, and who to contact if you need help yourself.

The guidance makes it clear that as long as snow and ice is cleared in a common-sense way, the clearer won't be held liable if an accident occurs.

Any residents or community groups who would like to volunteer to be part of the scheme should contact Uckfield Town Council on 01825 762774. Businesses should contact the Chamber of Commerce at enquiries@uckfieldchamber.co.uk.

In our picture and ready for action when snow falls this winter are, from the left: Uckfield Mayor Cllr John Carvey, David Bowler from Churches in Uckfield, Ian Chisnall, chairman of the Wealden Local Strategic Partnership and Uckfield Chamber of Commerce members Mark Arno, Peter Gale and Mike Skinner.

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