Warnings Over Icy Conditions

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Don't assume roads and footways have been gritted say Ealing Council

Burst pipes and leaks have caused treacherous conditions as temperatures plummeted throughout Ealing this week.

In one incident, Councillor Jon Ball reported a problem to Thames Water (via twitter on 21 January) : '' There's a leak outside 56 Grange Road, Ealing, W5. It's running down the street and will become dangerous if it ices up.''

He later witnessed delivery drivers coming off their mopeds because of the ice forming. 

It wasn't repaired until 3 days later .

(Pictures via twitter Jon Ball)

The problems were made worse by freezing fog and ice this week - on Tuesday the Met office extended their weather alert warning that conditions would become hazardous.

Some residents have complained about icy pavements and expressed concern on various social media channels about an apparent lack of gritting.

An Ealing council spokesperson said:  '' When frost, freezing conditions or snow is forecast, the council prioritises gritting the most important areas in the borough like major roads and main bus routes.

''In snow conditions the council grits additional roads serving major shopping centres, emergency services and additional commuter routes. Primary footways including town centres, tube and rail stations, and NHS hospitals are gritted during snow conditions only.

“Residents should never assume that all roads and footways have been gritted and should exercise caution when walking or driving in winter conditions. They are also encouraged to visit the Met Office website for advice on clearing ice and snow safely and effectively from the pavement.''

If you spot a leak contact Thames Water @thameswater

Ealing Council information about gritting can be read here

26 January 2017