AN MP and councillors for Gedling Borough Council have successfully won their fight to improve winter road conditions across the borough after it was announced a new weather station will be installed in Mapperley.
Councillors Michael Payne and John Clarke along with Gedling MP Vernon Coaker had called on Nottinghamshire County Council to act after residents voiced their concerns about the Authority’s approach to winter road maintenance during several cold snaps last year.
Now plans are afoot to install a new weather station on Mapperley Plains to enhance the quality of weather forecasting information in the Gedling area and improve the close monitoring of road surface conditions.
Cllr Michael Payne told Gedling Eye: “Earlier this year we expressed disappointment at the approach to gritting and winter maintenance in Gedling borough by Nottinghamshire County Council. We listened to the concerns of local residents and called for an urgen meeting with County Council officials to express these concerns.
“Senior county council officers and councillors have acted on these concerns and we’re delighted that as a result of the review we called for a brand new weather station to be installed on Mapperley Plains.
He added: “We will work closely with Nottinghamshire County Council throughout this winter and work to make any further improvements that are required as and when necessary.”
Councillor John Cottee, chairman of the County Council’s Community and Place Committee said: “We listened to concerns raised last season about our approach to winter maintenance in the Gedling area and, following a review, are planning to invest around £30,000 in the new equipment. The weather station will be live from early in the New Year, and staff are currently liaising with the supplier to confirm the location.
“The topography of the Gedling area means that having a station monitoring the conditions on one of the highest points within the County will provide us with valuable information.
The County Council currently has eight weather stations spread across Nottinghamshire with those on the A614 at Perlethorpe and A611 at Coxmoor being refurbished for last season. It also has access to information from a further four stations owned by other local authorities.
The eight weather stations are: A606 Tolllerton; A611 Coxmoor; A60 Costock; A631 Beckingham; B6045 Blyth; A614 Perlethorpe; A614 Burntstump; A608 Annesley.
For more information about gritting routes, winter driving advice and other information visit: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/winter. For weather alerts and information, you can also follow the County Council on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nottscc
