Sheffield Council issues message as it works to keep roads clear after snowfall

Snow fell across the city for much of Thursday, affecting public transport and causing major disruption on the roads.

With key workers, schoolchildren and people attending vaccination appointments amongst those needing to make essential journeys, Sheffield Council said it worked around the clock to keep the city’s roads clear.

Extra teams were brought in to help grit all hospital grounds as well as Covid-19 testing and vaccination sites, with gritting vehicles also working to help to keep main routes clear.

Councillor Mark Jones, cabinet member for environment, climate change and street scene, said: “Following heavy snowfall yesterday, our partners have been out battling difficult conditions to try and keep our streets open and helping those who need to make essential journeys to do so safely.”

Whilst the snow has now stopped, icy temperatures are expected overnight and into tomorrow, with sleet and possibly some further snow showers currently in the forecast.

Mr Jones added: "We should all only be travelling if it is essential, to help reduce the spread of Covid 19 and protect our NHS.

“We are working hard to ensure that those needing to make essential journeys, such as getting vaccinated against Covid-19 or those who need to get food to feed themselves and their family, can do so.

“Yet again our citizens have supported one another and acted responsibly. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their patience and especially thank Amey and Veolia for trying to keep our streets clean and get our bins collected during difficult conditions.

"We will work hard to catch-up on missed bin collections and resume a normal service as soon as possible.

“I’d like to wish everyone well, remind people to keep safe and only travel if absolutely necessary at this immensely challenging time.”

The council’s highways contactor, Streets Ahead, will be monitoring the forecast closely over the next few days and treating the roads accordingly should freezing conditions return.

Veolia are also working to collect bins after collections were suspended yesterday.

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