Arctic weather causes chaos in Tweeddale

David O'Leary • Last updated 8 Jan 2010 10:49 0 Comments

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THE worst week's weather in a generation has brought Tweeddale to a standstill.

And it could almost bring the local authority to its knees as round-the-clock snow clearing bites into the cash pot.

Up to two feet of snow fell in parts of the region on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning leaving many roads closed.

Temperatures as low as -17 yesterday (Thursday) has led to further chaos.

Scottish Borders Council set aside £2.5 million for its winter budget - but the bill has already reached almost double that as more than 200 employees have worked day and night for the past three weeks to keep roads open.

And each day of severe weather will bite further into the £6 million of reserves.

But leader David Parker believes that money isn't an issue.

He told the Peeblesshire News: "This is an emergency situation and we can think about the cost at a later date.

"All the work that is being carried out is essential work.

"Everyone has come together to face this major issue we've had - not only council workers but also the voluntary sector, emergency services, NHS staff and the public - and I can't thank them enough.

"This is unprecedented weather with Peebles and the surrounding area being particularly bad."

Scottish Borders Council has deployed 42 gritters, 11 tractors and 14 JCBs to keep roads passable.

But the message which has continued to be given for the past two days is not to drive unless it is absolutely necessary.

Stretches of the A702 were closed throughout most of Wednesday near the Silverburn area while brief closures were also reported on the A701 around Leadburn and the A7 near Innerleithen and Clovenfords.

Schools, libraries and recycling centres across the region have remained closed while bin collections and even funerals had to be cancelled because of the severe conditions.

An emergency planning group - consisting of the council, NHS Borders, police, fire and rescue, and the ambulance service - have held regular meetings.

And so far, hospital wards have remained open as normal and all highly-dependant Homecare service users have received visits from carers.

Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue helped several nurses and doctors reach Hay Lodge Hospital on Wednesday and yesterday.

And maintenance staff have managed to clear the car park and the access road to allow patients in.

The hospital was fully staffed yesterday and will be today with arrangements being made for weekend cover as we went to press.

Callum Campbell, chief executive of NHS Borders, told us: "I would like to thank our staff for the exceptional efforts they are making to ensure we maintain essential services during this extreme winter weather."

This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 08 Jan 10

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