Moray Council mobilizes 83 staff and 26 vehicles to clear snow and ice, with schools closed and services disrupted due to severe winter conditions.
Moray Council Responds to Ongoing Cold Snap
Moray Council has confirmed its response to the ongoing cold snap, with predictions of more snowfall.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Staff Engaged in Winter Operations | 83 |
| Salt Used | More than 2000 tonnes |
| Winter Carriageway Vehicles | 26 |
| Plant Equipment for Footways | 11 |
| Amber Weather Warning Duration | Until 7pm tonight |
| Yellow Warning Duration | Midnight tonight to midnight tomorrow |
A spokesperson for Moray Council stated that 26 winter carriageway vehicles are in operation. Eleven pieces of plant equipment are deployed to help clear footways. However, deep snow in some areas may make it impractical for footpath clearing vehicles to operate.
The spokesperson added, “Teams are currently focused on snow clearance but are replenishing grit bins as resources allow.” Staff from other service areas are also supporting this task. Local contractors and farmers are assisting with snow clearance, especially on rural roads.
Moray communities have been thanked for their patience and efforts to clear snow and grit paths. The statement also discussed the decision to close all but two schools in Moray tomorrow. This decision was made after assessing the risk at each school.
The spokesperson said, “It looks highly unlikely staff will be able to travel to and from their place of work safely tomorrow.” Parents and carers will be informed through normal communication methods. The school closures page on the Council website will be updated this afternoon.
School buildings will reopen as soon as it is safe. Online learning will be available to all pupils in the meantime. The statement confirmed that scheduled bin collections “have not been possible.” Waste teams are helping with refilling gritters and clearing paths and car parks.
Household Waste Recycling Centres are expected to open later this week. Residents are asked to take surplus waste there. The spokesperson noted, “It is not anticipated that collections will take place this week, however if conditions improve, this may change.”
Residents should check the Service Status Portal daily for updates on rescheduled collections, which may include Saturday collections. The collection of additional bin bags may be possible depending on conditions and bin lorry capacity.
Multiple bus routes were suspended again on Tuesday. More details about the status of m.connect services are available on the Service Status Portal, as well as on the Scotrail, Stagecoach, and Ember websites and social media pages.
Disruption to the housing service was also confirmed due to the weather. The housing team is prioritizing emergency repairs on Tuesday and Wednesday. Routine appointments may be delayed, and tenants will be informed directly.
All gas servicing has been cancelled, and tenants have been notified. The team that usually carries out housing repairs is assisting with snow clearance. Moray Council also confirmed that its day centres would be closed tomorrow, while vaccination centres are expected to remain closed until Friday.
The vaccine team has been “redeployed into community settings.” Those needing care assistance are encouraged to email accesscareteam@moray.gov.uk.
