Telford council is recruiting volunteer snow wardens
Volunteer snow wardens are being recruited in Telford and Wrekin to help keep footpaths in their communities clear of snow and ice in winter.
As winter approaches each year, Telford & Wrekin Council rallies willing volunteers who care about their communities and helping others.
Volunteers are kitted out and trained by the Council to clear footpaths and assist vulnerable community members. As well as individuals, community groups, schools and businesses can sign up to become Snow Wardens.
The service they provide is in addition to the work the Council does to grit over 400 kilometres of roads, including bus routes and access roads for emergency services, schools, industrial estates and villages.
Maria Bagnall signed up to become a Snow Warden this week. She said: “Last winter, residents from my street came out in force with snow shovels to help clear paths and the drives of less able people. Those who couldn’t shovel snow made steaming mugs of tea for everyone out in the cold. Even the older children helped shovel snow and the interaction between youngsters was great to watch as they learnt some valuable lessons about community and how to think about other people. It was also great fun.
“Being an official Snow Warden means I can help a bit more. I know council resources are stretched and rather than complaining about it, our whole street want to do our bit to lend a hand and keep each other safe.”
Cllr Rae Evans, cabinet member for People Services, Visitor Economy and Partnerships, said: “There’s no way we can clear every part of the borough, which is why the work of Snow Wardens is so vital.
“Last year was a particularly bad winter, and our Snow Wardens did an absolutely fantastic job in communities. I hope this year will be kinder to us, but knowing we have a band of Snow Wardens ready to take action will be a huge reassurance to our more vulnerable residents. We want as many volunteers as possible, the more the merrier.”
The Council is this month making contact with existing volunteers to see if they are still fit and well and would like to volunteer for another winter. Anyone else who would like to become a volunteer Snow Warden can visit www.telford.gov.uk/winter
