Here is today’s update regarding what Oxfordshire County Council is doing to deal with the effects of the recent heavy snowfall and ongoing planning for the freezing temperatures forecast for the coming days.

Snowploughs and gritters have again been in operation day and night, keeping clear 100 per cent of the county’s priority routes, which amounts to more than 800 miles of road. On top of this we continue to plough a large number of more minor roads and we have done our best to grit pavements where resources have permitted.

Many routes to Oxfordshire’s more rural locations have been cleared in recent days. In large part this is due to the kind assistance of local farmers who have been using their own equipment to supplement the county council’s work. The county council is very grateful for this and wishes to acknowledge their efforts.

The operation to grit Oxford’s five Park and ride sites continues and we have also had teams out in town centres clearing snow from pathways and other areas. The council has also been focusing on snowploughing and gritting routes around schools.

As you are aware, the council’s contracted supplier Salt Union had not delivered any salt to the county since December. However, we have now received a number of lorry loads of salt. The council will be continuing to grit and snowplough throughout the weekend.

Council adult social care officers are still using 4×4 vehicles to get through the snow and access vulnerable people. There have been no significant difficulties with service delivery and senior managers remain happy with the way that services have been able to continue despite the adverse weather.