Keeping in touch: Dan Poulter, MP
Page 31
Only recently, I was pleased to update readers of the importance of being “Winter Ready” and we have since experienced some very high winds and a resulting degree of disruption, due to Storm Eleanor. Our electricity network is built to be resilient, but despite best efforts, extreme weather can cause damage to overhead power lines resulting in some customers temporarily losing their electricity supply. Where this does happen, UK Power Networks have teams working around the clock to make sure that homes and businesses are reconnected to the electricity network as quickly as possible. Extra help is available to those who need it during a power cut, via UK Power Network’s Priority Service Register. Households with older, disabled or more vulnerable people, those with children under the age of five, or where someone uses medical or mobility equipment that requires electricity, as well as other reasons can join the register. Further information on the Priority Service Register can be found at www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority In the event of a power cut, please call either 105 or 0800 3163 105 – this is a free service and can be accessed from either a landline or mobile phone. Aside from reporting the power cut in the first instance, you can also call 105 to receive further updates on when power may be reconnected. Here in Suffolk, we have been relatively fortunate in escaping the worst of the winter weather so far but in the event of snow or icy conditions, the team at Suffolk Highways work tirelessly around the clock, often in adverse conditions to keep our roads safe and moving. I would like to pay tribute to the team of Suffolk Highways Officers who really do go above and beyond, often in very difficult conditions, to ensure that our journeys are as safe and as easy as possible. Suffolk Highways is responsible for ensuring that Suffolk’s roads, with the exception of trunk roads such as the A14 or neighbouring A11 and A12, are kept free from snow or ice, enabling us all to travel safely to and from our homes, schools and places of work. They treat all A and B roads, including those to 24 hour fire stations, Accident and Emergency hospitals and main bus and railway stations. They work very closely with over 200 farmers and contractors around the county, who remain on standby and ready to help in times of need. The team monitor the weather conditions very carefully, to assess whether spreading salt or grit will achieve the best results and teams are deployed around the clock 7 days a week when required. For further information and to quickly and easily request gritting, members of the public can visit Suffolk Highways’ online reporting tool at www.suffolk.gov.uk/roads-andtransport/salting-gritting-and-clearing-snow/#tab4 For more information, please visit my website www.drdanielpoulter.com