The Newton Abbot Town Council Snow Plan outlines how the Council coordinates snow and ice clearance during severe winter weather. It includes roles, procedures, and contact information for snow wardens and supporting staff. The plan supports and complements Devon County Council's Adverse Weather guidance.
Snow Plan 2022/23
First issued: November 2012
Reviewed/Updated: November 2022
1.0 Summary
This plan details how Newton Abbot Town Council will coordinate snow treatment and clearance activities during periods of heavy snowfall or icy conditions on roads and pavements.
It includes a list of Snow Wardens and must be read in conjunction with Devon County Council’s Adverse Weather guidance:
Winter advice – Safety and Emergencies (devon.gov.uk)
Events may require variations to this plan, which will be communicated when updates are produced.
Contents
- Health and Safety Considerations – 4
- Liability – 4
- Contact List – 5
- Procedure for Implementation – 6
- Key Roles and Responsibilities – 6
- Snow Clearance Priorities – 7
- General Guidance Notes – 8
- Travelling in Winter – 9
1.0 Health and safety considerations
To reduce the risk of slips on snow or ice:
- Identify outdoor areas likely to be affected, such as entrances, car parks, walkways, slopes or shaded zones
- Monitor weather forecasts regularly (e.g. Met Office, Highways England)
- Take action whenever freezing conditions are expected
- Use grit or other materials on icy areas
- Cover walkways or divert foot traffic to safer routes if needed
2.0 General assumptions
Snow clearance will only take place when:
- It is safe to get staff and equipment to the location
- It is safe for staff to work
- Staff have appropriate protective clothing
- Salt/grit is available for treated areas
3.0 Liability
Clearing snow and ice is unlikely to result in liability if done sensibly and without increasing danger. Cleared areas should be gritted if temperatures are freezing. Users also have a personal responsibility to take care.
4.0 Contact list
Newton Abbot Town Council
Newton’s Place, 43 Wolborough Street, Newton Abbot, TQ12 1JQ
Tel: 01626 201120
Email: info@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk
Philip Rowe, Town Clerk
Tel: 01626 882552 / 07850 795071
Email: phil.rowe@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk
Facilities Maintenance Officers
Tony Little, Steve Ryan, David Samson
Newton’s Place, 43 Wolborough Street, Newton Abbot
Tel: 01626 201120
Teignbridge District Council (TDC)
Mark Pepper – mark.pepper@teignbridge.gov.uk
Steve Ramage – steve.ramage@teignbridge.gov.uk
Markets Manager, TDC
Mike Walsh
Market Street
Tel: 01626 215426
Email: mike.walsh@teignbridge.gov.uk
Additional Contacts
Mr Keith Smith – Abbotsbury
Cllr Mike Joyce
Cllr Mike Ryan
Cllr David Howe
Cllr Phil Bullivant
Mr Andrew Churchill
Mr Peter Boulter
5.0 Procedure for implementation
The plan is triggered during significant snowfall or ice events.
- An email will be sent to staff, councillors and Snow Wardens stating that the plan is in effect
- This message will include an emergency contact number
5.1 Chain of command
The Town Council coordinates with the District Council on use of snow clearance resources. All requests should be made via the Town Council.
5.2 Key roles and responsibilities
The Town Council will:
- Liaise with District and County Councils
- Coordinate deployment of resources
- Communicate with the DCC winter maintenance coordinator at Rydon Depot
- Maintain contact with parish Snow Wardens
- Provide daily updates on snow clearance progress
5.3 Snow Wardens
Snow Wardens are responsible for:
- Monitoring and maintaining salt/grit stock levels in their designated areas
- Operating safely and conducting risk assessments
- Coordinating with the Town Council for additional resources
- Applying grit and clearing snow in their designated zones
- Salt/grit bins are checked and restocked annually in November.
5.4 Teignbridge District Council – Waste Management
Chris Braines, Waste Management Officer
Teignbridge District Council, Clean Services, Forde Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4AD
Tel: 01626 215841
Fax: 01626 334882
www.teignbridge.gov.uk
Out-of-hours contact: Home Safeguard – 01626 361101
Responsibilities include:
- Mobilising salt-spreading equipment
- Coordinating with Rangers for vehicle support
- Providing updates to the Town Council
6.0 Snow clearance priorities
Devon County Council prioritises main roads, routes to larger settlements and emergency service access. However, 80% of roads are not routinely treated.
High-priority local areas include:
- Town centre footways and car parks
- Brunel Industrial Estate
- Buckland Estate
- Areas identified by Snow Wardens or the public as inaccessible
6.1 DCC winter service and emergency plan
For full details, visit:
Winter Service and Emergency Plan – Roads and transport (devon.gov.uk)
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