Merton Council has been making life a little easier for its residents during the cold snap, using 580 tonnes of salt on its roads and footpaths so far.

Since Sunday Merton’s gritters have been working around the clock ensuring that all main and secondary roads and pavements are gritted and kept clear of snow.

For up-to-the-minute information about services and how the council has responded to the weather conditions residents should go to the severe weather link on the council website homepage: http://www.merton.gov.uk or telephone 020 8274 5940

Leader of Merton Council Councillor David Williams said: ‘Personally I am very grateful to our crews of gritters who have been working right through the night into the early hours of the morning to make sure our main roads are clear and made safe.

‘I also know that many of our council staff battled through the snow to ensure services continued to run as smoothly as possible. Two of our carers – a 61 year old and 67 year old – walked at least 10 miles to make sure the people in their care continued to be well looked after. Also, our colleague who co-ordinates the council’s emergency plan did it all from her front room on the day she was unable to make it to the office. The council also appreciates residents’ patience as they bear with us while we get services back to normal following the unusually heavy snow fall.’

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