Council's weather response under microscope

The group met on Tuesday to discuss ways to improve the way that Rotherham deals with sub-zero conditions and address problems that could have been averted.

A spokeswoman for the Labour Group said: “We can always seek to learn from our experiences and we will be giving a lot of thought as to whether there is any more we could do to enable our residents to cope more effectively with adverse weather conditions. 

“Climate change is happening and although we are told that this weather is unlikely to happen again for a generation we should be planning ahead."

Members acknowledged the difficulties faced by many residents but thanked the council’s workforce and other agencies that turned out in all conditions.“The road network, especially the main bus routes, has been kept as clear as possible,” she said. “This has ensured that day-to-day business activity can continue as near normally as possible.”

Cabinet members have asked officers to produce a report on the options that are available to undertake repairs to the road network.

The regeneration scrutiny panel will look at measures to ensure that vulnerable residents are kept safe and warm during periods of extreme cold.

And the performance and scrutiny overview committee will consider the issue of school closures.

The spokeswoman added: “There have been complaints about some schools which closed and some complaints about schools which stayed open.

“On balance, however, the council wants to support schools to remain open wherever possible, especially for those students taking important public exams.”