Snow latest: don't fear legal action over clearing paths, council urges

A STREETS boss has urged residents to clear pathways of snow without fear of being sued, as travel disruption hits the borough.

Purnells Way, Knowle, Saturday morning

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council’s David Jamieson spoke following national concerns that homeowners could be sued if someone slips outside their home.

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Councillor Jamieson, cabinet member for transport and highways, said: “If an accident did happen, it is highly unlikely you would be sued as long as you are careful and use common sense to make sure that you don't make the pavement or pathway clearly more dangerous than before.

“People using areas affected by snow and ice have a responsibility to be careful themselves.

“I hope that, by being careful and sensible when out and about, the people of Solihull can enjoy a safe winter.”

The council said it “does not have enough resources to grit and clear snow and ice from every footpath”.

Click here for a map of gritting routes in the borough. Click here for snow clearing tips from the council.

The council last month said it had 1,000 more tonnes of grit than last year’s 3,000, which had to be rationed in January’s big freeze. The latest figure has not been revealed by SMBC.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said the region’s roads had been ‘littered with abandoned vehicles’ and urged drivers only to make essential journeys.

And it called on 4x4 drivers to drive nurses to patients who require treatment in their homes. If you can help call 01926 310 310.

Trains were cancelled and delayed on Chiltern Railways and London Midland services from Dorridge station. Click here for Chiltern updates and here for London Midland updates.

London Midland said it was running a full timetable on Sunday. Click here for updates from its Twitter feed.

It said: “If you were caught up in any of Saturday's rail disruption, please accept our sincere apologies and thank you for your patience.”

Flights have also been cancelled and delayed at Birmingham Airport.

Traffic on the M40 was moving at an average speed of 40mph on Sunday afternoon.

The NHS warned of ‘extreme pressures’ on A&E at Solihull Hospital.

Dr Aidan Macnamara, Clinical Director for A&E, said: “It is a problem when patients use their local A&E services instead of more suitable alternatives.

“We ask that the public only call the ambulance service in genuine emergencies.

It is about looking at things a bit differently, rather than just automatically thinking A&E is the only place to go for treatment, it may actually be more beneficial for the patient to consider the other local services available to them.”

Send your snow pics to news@thesilhillian.co.uk.