Norden’s shoppers have snow need to worry

Shoppers in Norden should have no need to worry this winter, NEEVA have bought salt and snow shovels to ensure that everyone can keep the pavement around their shops clear and safe

Shoppers in Norden should have no need to worry this winter, no matter how bad the weather conditions get. With snowfalls of up to 15cm being predicted the Village’s retailers have geared up to keep their doors open and the footpaths clear.

Although the council have operations to grit roads, pavements in the village can often build up with snow and ice and cause slippery conditions for pedestrians. With snow then thawing and forming ice the treacherous conditions can remain for days after the snow has stopped falling.

Norden Environmental & Economic Village Association (NEEVA) Chairman, Peter Winkler said: “The conditions along Edenfield Road have been very bad in previous years and we have been told that there is no chance of getting a council team to grit the pavements this year. Our retailers need all the help they can get as weather like this can really hinder their businesses as people stay away. To help both retailers and the public we have bought salt and snow shovels to ensure that everyone can keep the pavement around their shops clear and safe.”

“Whilst NEEVA only have limited funds for projects like this we think that it is very important to do everything we can to keep the village working and safe for the people who live here. We have a lot of older residents and I know that there have already been slips and falls this year due to ice on the footpaths.”

Many people have concerns about clearing snow and ice, amidst stories of legal cases which have be brought against businesses by people who have fallen. In light of this Rochdale Council have issued NEEVA with details of how to safely clear snow and ice.

‘The Snow Code’ is issued by the Department of Transport, and says that people should not be concerned about legal actions so long as they clear snow and ice properly. For more details ‘The Snow Code’ can be found on the direct.gov.uk website.