Several key roads in Burnham-On-Sea which ground to a halt during last year’s heavy snowfall have been added to Somerset County Council’s gritting routes, meaning there should be less disruption this winter.
The County Council’s Highways Department has this week confirmed that Highbridge Road, Oxford Street, Marine Drive, Pier Street, the South Esplanade, Brent Road, Ham Road, Station Road and Sea View Road will all see an improved gritting service.
Andrew Turner, from the County Council’s Highways Department, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Following discussion with the town council, several roads in and around Burnham have been added to our salting schedule this year in the event of severe weather.”
“Highbridge Road and Oxford Street have been added to the precautionary salting network, which mainly includes major routes and accesses in to larger settlements.”
“Roads listed on the precautionary salting network are treated prior to ice forming or snow falling. During extended periods of cold weather or snow they may be treated more than once within the resources available.”
He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Further additions to the post-treatment network include Marine Drive, Pier Street and South Esplanade (to the BARB Station), plus the B3140 Brent Road, Ham Road and Station Road, and The Esplanade and Sea View Road.”
“The post-treatment network is treated during extended periods of cold weather or snow, defined as being in existence for longer than 24 hours. These roads are treated on an ‘as needs’ basis, within the resources available once the main routes are clear.”
Town councillor Chris Williams welcomed the move, but said more clarification is needed on the exact areas of the roads covered.
And Cllr Tom Nicholls added: “I’d like the County Council to consider adding the whole of Berrow Road to the salting service – it’s such a key route for many people in the Burnham area.”
Meanwhile, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council also bought a grit spreading machine earlier this year to keep roads free of ice during snowy weather.
Town Council clerk Eileen Shaw said this week: “The new grit spreader will be there to help us treat minor roads in the town centre, should it be needed.”
Pictured: Last year’s heavy snowfall in Burnham caused widespread disruption
