This was the scene in Newbury’s Market Place just before 9.00am on Wednesday (6th January). Just over six inches of snow fell overnight producing chaotic conditions on local roads. Council gritting staff struggled to keep the main arterial routes open, unable to cope with the requests from Newbury shop and office workers for salting on the town’s pavements. Newbury last experienced snow of this severity back in 1981 – nearly 30 years ago
The weather has caused major disruption to the roads with many people not beeing able to get to work, however i think it is very unfair of some of the major employers to tell employees that if they do not attend work,then they must take the time off as holiday.
To be fair, the argument cuts both ways - is it fair on the employer?. I would imagine also, that there are a number of people that would take 'advantage' of this weather as well.
My sister works for M&S in Shoreham, Sussex. I am informed that any staff there not making it to work will suffer a disiplinary action, all because a manager made it to work from Chichester. They had only a dusting until fairly early Wednesday morning, and the manager went in extra early!!!
My sister works for M&S in Shoreham, Sussex. I am informed that any staff there not making it to work will suffer a disiplinary action, all because a manager made it to work from Chichester. They had only a dusting until fairly early Wednesday morning, and the manager went in extra early!!! Nice people!
Several people this morning walking on the untreated roads rather than the pavement, with backs to the traffic. Admire the determinaion to get to work, but the cars were skidding trying to avoid them.
Several people this morning walking on the untreated roads rather than the pavement, with backs to the traffic. Admire the determinaion to get to work, but the cars were skidding trying to avoid them.
...of course it will be the motorists fault if they get run over!!
Some people may have a "duty of care", and will make every effort to get to work.
My daughter works at Mary Hare school for the deaf, and they have boarders. She walked there from the far end of turnpike today.
It may seem foolhardy, but I admire those who make a special effort, when needs must!
Don't knock them!
Everyone has to take special care in these conditions, even the motorists, some of whom I've seen driving far too fast for the conditions.
Really wasn't knocking. I know the pavements are awful, I was walking into town on it! It was 7.45 so just getting light, plus dark clothing and backs to the traffic is not the most sensible thing to do. The road was untreated and although the cars were crawling they could not come out of a skid. I trust you advise your daughter to wear something light and face the oncoming traffic.
While I was taking photographs of the Broadway yesterday morning, one in ten of the vehicles coming into town from the London Road was turning left and crossing the piazza/plaza rather than going round the western side of Clockhouse.
I noticed this evening that there is a whole row of plastic cones presumably placed by West Berks to stop vehicles doing this.
But nine in ten drivers were using it properly....
The cones were probably put out by the nearest cafe owner to prevent his customers being squashed.... Nice balmy weather like this, combined with the Newbury Cafe Culture scene ..... you can't beat it! Anyone who claims this project to revamp this end of town has been a waste of space must be mad.....
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