Funding available to clear snow paths
THE Highland Council has written to all community councils to let them know that assistance will be available to any communities who wish to help clear snow and ice from local footpaths.
Following bad weather last winter a number of Community Councils approached the council to enquire about taking action in their own areas to clear snow and ice from footpaths as and when needed.
Any communities wishing to take up the offer will be provided with snow shovels and snow pushers, gloves and high-visibility vests. Volunteers who have pre-registered through their community council will be given health and safety advice and the council will provide both public liability and personal injury insurance.
The Council will also work with the community councils to agree the best location for heaps of salt for the volunteers to use on the footpaths.
The Council’s Chairman of TEC services, Graham Phillips said: “Whilst the Council operates a fleet of over 40 footpath gritting tractors, we just don’t have the resources to clear every path that is covered in snow and ice.
Communities have let us know that, with our support, they would be keen to take on this task. This is a win win situation as with volunteers working in their communities will be able to treat a more extensive path network earlier that we could do ourselves.
“In order that we can get arrangements in place as soon as possible, any communities interested in this offer of assistance should let us know right away by returning the application form or contacting their local TECS office.”