A new fleet of tractors is helping to prevent slips and falls in County Durham this winter.
The 12 additional compact tractors are proving an invaluable resource during the current cold snap, helping Durham County Council to clear snow and spread salt on paths leading to medical centres and pharmacies, as well as in busy areas such as town centres.
The aim is to reduce slips and falls, protect older and vulnerable people, reduce pressure on health and care services and avoid hospital admissions.
While routes into GP surgeries, pharmacies and other community health facilities will be prioritised, the fleet may also be deployed to other locations such as cemeteries to help ensure funerals can go ahead.
Cllr Chris Hood, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for adult and health services, said: “We know more slips and falls take place over the winter months and that many people, especially older and more vulnerable residents, are nervous about leaving the house in snowy conditions.
“Winter is also a time when demand for GP and pharmacy services increases, and it is important people can access these facilities safely.
“These tractors will support efforts to spread salt and clear snow from badly affected pathways quickly and efficiently, helping to reduce the risk of falls.”
When clearing footpaths, Durham County Council prioritises town centres and busy shopping areas, emergency service depots, hospitals, health centres, doctors’ surgeries, aged person’s housing, care homes, libraries and other public buildings.
For advice on how to stay safe, warm and healthy during cold weather, visit www.durham.gov.uk/warmandwell
• Pictured above (from left): Councillor Mark Wilkes, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, with street cleansing operative Tony Brown and sweeper driver Alan Crone from the local authority’s Clean and Green team.