Problem of clearing ice in Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth solved after town clerk teams up with Herts county councillor to provide salt spreader

Sawbridgeworth’s historic high street poses a problem when it comes to keeping it clear of ice and snow – but a town councillor and the town clerk have come up with a solution.

The layout of Bell Street – which dates back to the 16th century – with its narrow pavements and access issues means gritters from highways authority Hertfordshire County Council are unable to safely treat the road in icy conditions.

So in a proactive move to support local businesses, town clerk Chris Hunt teamed up with Cllr Eric Buckmaster, the Hertfordshire County Council member for Sawbridgeworth and a district and town councillor, to provide salt spreaders.

Mr Hunt said councillors were working with highways to find a long-term solution. In the interim, salt spreaders would be funded for town rangers to use in sub-zero temperatures this winter.

Cllr Buckmaster said: “In situations like this the town council can sometimes provide a local and scalable alternative.

“I’m pleased to be able to use my local county budget towards essential equipment that can help keep our residents safe during icy conditions.”

Mr Hunt said: “Our rangers will apply salt to try to keep Bell Street open with the manual spreaders.

“We would ask business owners to also assist us with maintaining access to their own businesses so we can keep the town open.

“I would like to thank Cllr Buckmaster for supporting the funding of the equipment.”