Snow and Ice

For detailed information on local and national weather conditions, visit the Met Office website or listen to local radio broadcasts.

Salting roads and footpaths in winter weather

In most circumstances, responsibility for salting roads and footpaths rests with Hampshire County Council as the highway authority for this area. Regular traffic and road updates are given on the Hantsconnect Twitter feed. Specific information is available online:

• Issues and faults can be reported on Hampshire County Council's website
• Salt/grit bin enquiries can be submitted on Hampshire County Council's website - including requesting a salt bin or having a salt bin refilled.
• Hampshire County Council's gritting routes

Always check online first to answer enquiries that you may have about the weather. Only call 0845 603 5633 in emergency situations (threat to life/property or livestock)

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council assists Hampshire County Council, the highway authority responsible for gritting the roads, wherever possible by targeting the following areas for salting:

• Basingstoke town centre and council-owned car parks
• Basingstoke town centre footway links
• Basingstoke train station (front and access roads)
• Civic Offices and car parks
• Worting Road Cemetery
• Basingstoke Leisure Park
• Down Grange and Stratton Park entrance road
• Shopping parades
• Chute House
• Ambulance station access road

Once the above is complete we will liaise with the county council and coordinate resources to other key areas within the borough including schools, elderly care homes and medical centres.

Housing associations will clear the public areas around their properties. Contact VIVID on 0800 652 0898 or Sovereign Housing Association on 0300 5000 926.

Homeless and rough sleeper help

Emergency assistance is available to homeless people during extreme weather conditions.

The Rough Sleeper Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is currently de-activated.

If you are sleeping rough or an individual approaches you stating that they are rough sleeping, please contact Julian House at basingstoke-outreach@julianhouse.org.uk or 01256 322791 or contact our Housing Team on 01256 844844.

If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough you can make a referral to Street Link.

Additional shelter for rough sleepers

For all those accessing the night shelter and SWEP provision there is day time shelter available. Key services have opened their doors until people are able to access their respective bed for that evening.

For anyone who is in need of this service and to identify where is available please contact:

• the housing team on 01256 844844 or
• Julian House outreach service on 01256 322791.

The night shelter has extended its opening times over the weekend. Guests will still need a referral to access by calling Julian House outreach or the housing team.

A big thank you to the volunteers and churches for their flexibility and kindness.

Latest updates on borough council services

Keep up to date on the latest cold weather response and information on council services at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Twitter page or Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Facebook page.

Other useful information and advice

Travel information

The following websites may help you:

• ROMANSE website - road traffic and travel information for Hampshire, including traffic cameras.
• National Highways website - real-time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads. You can also listen to Traffic Radio broadcast on DAB radio or call 0300 123 5000.
• The AA website and the RAC website also provide road traffic and travel information.
• South Western Railway website - details of cancellations and the latest rail travel news.
• Stagecoach Bus website - details of cancellations and the latest bus travel news. Newbury and District buses can be contacted by telephoning 01635 33855.

School closures

Check the school closures page on Hampshire County Council's website.

Driving in poor conditions

When snow or ice is forecast, road users are warned to make essential journeys only. If you feel that you must travel during severe conditions there are some simple steps that can reduce the risk of being caught out by the weather. All drivers should

• carry out simple vehicle checks before they set out
• carry a severe weather emergency kit in their vehicle, containing an ice scraper and de-icer, a torch, warm clothes and a blanket, a pair of boots, a first-aid kit, battery jump leads, a spade if it's likely to snow and food and drink
• monitor the traffic and weather conditions and plan their journeys

The Institute of Advanced Motorists website gives specific advice on driving in snow and ice. More information on safe winter driving is available on the GOV UK website and on the AA website and the RAC website.

Keeping warm

General advice on keeping warm and healthy in winter weather is available from the NHS website.

Specific advice for older residents is on the Age UK website.

Advice for frozen or burst pipes

If your pipes have frozen:

• Turn off the water supply at the stop tap
• Slowly thaw the pipe with hot water bottles or a towel soaked in hot water, starting at the end nearest to the tap. Never use a naked flame or blowtorch

If your pipes have burst

• Turn off the stop tap
• Open all taps to drain the system quickly
• Soak up/block off escaping water with thick towels
• Call a qualified plumber. To find your nearest WaterSafe accredited plumber visit the WaterSafe website.
• If water has leaked near your electrics or into any electrical appliances, switch them off at the mains
• Turn off taps once the pipework is repaired to avoid further flooding

Volunteering to help out in the snow

We encourage our residents to be good neighbours during the snow and check on those in your community that might need extra help during snow and icy conditions. A number of organisations arrange volunteering schemes.

For more information on clearing snow and ice safely, please visit the GOV.UK website.

Essential supplies

Anybody needing help with medical prescriptions or shopping for essential supplies during prolonged bad weather should contact their local community centre or parish council. Visit our Parish Council page for contact information.