I’ve just spent an hour driving around Gatley, having compared notes with Cllr Pam King on the issues we’re aware of.

The big issue right now is ice at the end of cul-de-sacs and some other low-traffic roads.  All the main roads and most through-residential roads are clear of ice (though some pavements are still icy).

Pam and I are very concerned that people – especially the elderly – living on these cul-de-sacs – might be trapped in their houses or risk serious injury by venturing out.

For example in Gatley:
- Saville Road is mostly clear but has two absolutely treacherous areas of ice near the end.
- Sevenoaks Road, Hyldavale Avenue, Lyntonvale Avenue, the top of Leyland Avenue, Brogden Drive, Brentwood Drive, Eskdale, Cartmel Close, Langdale Close, The Tarns, Kentmere Close, the top of Troutbeck Road, Birch Road, the top of West Drive and Penrhos Avenue are examples of dead-end roads which still have serious ice problems.
- Some through roads with naturally low traffic also have problems, including Heathfield Avenue, the western section of Borrowdale Avenue, Charnville Road, Connor Way, Highcrest Avenue and Halstead Grove.

Pam and I have asked for attention to be turned to these cul-de-sacs and low-traffic roads, perhaps either by gritting them or leaving piles of grit by the icy patches to be spread by residents.

Of course, a lot of work is going  on, especially trying to deal with the need to switch focus from the main roads to these smallest of residential streets- before probably switching back to the main roads for the next lot of snow forecast.

By the way, if anyone wants more information on how gritting works, when it doesn’t work and what the problems are, this piece on the BBC website is very good.

See also my other posts on this issue, plus the comments made on each:

Report on snow, travel and services for 6th Jan

What gritting was done on the night of 23rd December in Stockport?

My experiences of snow and gritting in Stockport

Stockport’s been gritting over the weekend before Christmas

How’s Stockport done on gritting (26th Dec)

Stockport ice and gritting update, 4th Jan