Kirklees Council seeking volunteers to get involved in its snow wardens scheme

A trial of the scheme began last winter and saw 27 volunteers from nine of Kirklees’ wards clearing snow-filled residential areas that otherwise go un-gritted, armed with a pack provided by the council. This contained grit, a shovel, a grit shaker, a high vis jacket and shoe grips.

Though the number of volunteers was lower than hoped, with the council setting a target of 46, those who did take part in the scheme were said to have given “really positive” feedback. Volunteers suggested a minor change to the equipment with the shaker to be changed to a scoop.

Applications for this year’s scheme will be open from September with the number of volunteers upped by a further 100. The scheme was described during a meeting of the Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Panel by council officer Nick Jenkins as “fully flexible” with volunteers able to choose how much time they dedicate to the scheme.

Councillors spoke in favour of the scheme but raised a few questions. Coun John Taylor (Con, Kirkburton) wanted to ensure a consistent communication approach was in place with resources to promote the scheme, with much of this falling on councillors.

He said: “I was a great supporter of this and I’m kind of disappointed really that we’ve only got two in Kirkburton in the first year because I did my best to promote it and I will do again this year.” He also suggested that the scheme be advertised at the borough’s agricultural fairs as is the case with the Recycling Champions initiative.

The council officer said that the promotion of the scheme at events shouldn’t be a problem and that resources were being put together for councillors.

Coun Matthew McLoughlin (Labour, Colne Valley) wanted to know whether the kits were used by the volunteers last Winter due to it being relatively mild and was assured by the officer that of the 27 volunteers, 20 had confirmed they had used the kits, with the remainder failing to provide feedback.

The councillor also asked to know more about the financial implications of the scheme but this information was not yet available and would be looked at in a final review at the end of the trial. The review will also see the district-wide roll out of the scheme explored.

Co-Optee Garry Kitchin told the meeting that he thought a number of people would already be inadvertently taking part in the scheme and spoke of his neighbourhood’s efforts to clear their local streets in times of snow.