Eight diggers from private contractors have been brought in to Aberdeen to help clear snow in communities on higher ground in addition to a full force of road gritters, pavement gritters, and staff.
The diggers are in the areas of Kingswells, Northfield and Mastrick which are in the west and north of the city particularly affected by the snow.
The Council resources out across the whole of the city this week include:
- 15 road gritters with ploughs;
- 14 tractors gritting pavements;
- 8 diggers;
- About 90 roads staff working on winter;
- 250 environmental services staff out manually gritting priority 2 pavements.
Road gritters have been gritting the primary routes (the main roads which are about 50% if the city’s roads network) 24/7 since Hogmanay to keep them open in the current heavy snow – the city has had about 30cm (1 ft) of snow since it started on 1 January and two amber weather warnings.
Residents are warned there will be continued snow in the days ahead so are asked to consider the impact and prepare for it.
Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “This is the most amount of prolonged heavy snow we have had for several years. The constant snow showers means that as soon as we grit the primary routes, we have to do them again to keep them open.
“The primary routes are being kept open with some of the dual carriageways open in one lane only. Our gritting teams are doing their best and people should remember they cannot be everywhere at once.
“Our housing and social work teams are working with partners including Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Grampian, COTAG, and Bon Accord Care to check our most vulnerable residents.
“We would like to thank staff for their efforts during this time and especially knowing the snow is forecast to continue for several days yet. The weather will continue to be challenging and have an impact on people’s ability to conduct their daily lives.
“We have seen a tremendous amount of community spirit by residents in the last few days and thank people for their help in the city pulling together at this time. We would ask people to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours or relatives if they need anything, salt their neighbourhood street or pavement if they are able, and look after each other.”
Updates on council closures, early closures, or late openings is given on Aberdeen City Council’s social media channels.