News-New tractors help to clear snow and keep people safe

The 12 additional compact tractors are proving an invaluable resource during the current cold snap, helping us to clear snow and spread salt on paths leading to medical centres and pharmacies, as well as in busy areas such as town centres.

The aim is to reduce slips and falls, protect older and vulnerable people, reduce pressure on health and care services and avoid hospital admissions.

While routes into GP surgeries, pharmacies and other community health facilities will be prioritised, the fleet may also be deployed to other locations such as cemeteries to help ensure funerals can go ahead.

Reducing the risk

Cllr Chris Hood, our Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: "We know more slips and falls take place over the winter months and that many people, especially older and more vulnerable residents, are nervous about leaving the house in snowy conditions.

"Winter is also a time when demand for GP and pharmacy services increases, and it is important people can access these facilities safely. These tractors will support efforts to spread salt and clear snow from badly affected pathways quickly and efficiently, helping to reduce the risk of falls."

Keeping County Durham moving

Cllr Mark Wilkes, our Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: "We are committed to keeping County Durham safe and moving and our Clean and Green Team works hard to salt footpaths and clear snow in busy areas during severe weather. Durham is a large county, and we can't clear every footpath, but we do as much as we can, and these additional tractors are making a valuable contribution to our work."