Date: 06 January 2010 BROCKLEBANK TO QUIZ MACASKILL OVER COUNCIL PROBLEMS WITH ROAD-GRITTING As the worst cold snap for thirty years continues to cause havoc to Fife and the rest of Scotland, Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Ted Brocklebank, has called on Fifers to look out for their elderly neighbours and has expressed his concerns that other councils appear to have managed the cold snap better than Fife Council.
Commenting, Mr Brocklebank said;
“The severity of the weather over the past few weeks has been quite remarkable and is something that we haven’t seen in the Kingdom for decades. With the prospect of the bad weather continuing to the end of the month I remain very concerned for the welfare of the elderly. The icy pavements and cold have made it exceedingly dangerous for them to get out and about and I would urge all Fifers to look out for and assist any elderly neighbours who may need help.
“Whilst I would like to see all streets and pavements gritted to ensure public safety it must be accepted that we are in the midst of the worst weather we have seen for some thirty years. It would be impractical to expect minor roads and pavements to be gritted given the additional pressures that such rare and extreme weather has placed on Fife’s road management system. Unlike some of my parliamentary and council colleagues I take the view that the council cannot be held responsible for keeping every thoroughfare clear in what is an ever-changing situation.
“However, the question remains as to why other councils around Scotland have appeared to cope better in dealing with the inclement weather. Fife Council has experienced the largest number of problems over low salt stock levels of any council in Scotland and tomorrow in the Parliament I will be putting some of these questions to the Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for Civil Contingency, Kenny MacAskill.”
ENDS….
Richard Forgan
Press Officer to Ted Brocklebank MSP
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