Weather / Difficult driving conditions in places due to drifting snow
Council asks community to continue looking out for each other
WITH the wintry weather set to continue into early next week, driving conditions in the north of Shetland are reported to be particularly difficult this morning (Saturday) due to snow drifting making some already cleared roads impassable once again.
A council spokesperson said that gritter crews will continue their efforts to clear roads across Shetland all weekend.
People are also asked to continue to support each other in the community, and particularly look out for any vulnerable neighbours and family members.
The spokesperson added: “However, if you have a need for urgent support, please contact our Duty Social Work service on 01595 744468 (during office hours) or 01595 695611 (out of hours) – our staff will do what they can to link you to the help you need within your community.”
Meanwhile police in Shetland are advising people to stay at home and not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary. Police inspector Sam Greshon reminded people that if they were venturing out tonight to take provisions and a fully charged phone in case they get stuck.
Unst resident Steven Spence has sent in this video clip of him and Jimmy Laurenson doing shop deliveries for R G Jamieson & Son to people unable to venture out, while David Murray contributed a video of a quad ride in North Roe this morning after the snowplough has been through.
Council leader Emma Macdonald said this morning: “The gritters and roads team are doing everything they can, however it isn’t possible to be everywhere at once but a huge thanks to them for doing a fantastic job.
“I also wanted to say a huge thanks to folk who have been working across some of the really essential services over this past week. I know many have been working extra to cover the fact some people can’t get to work, so thank you.
“Not everyone has the ability to work from home and I really appreciate the challenges people face to get to work to provide the services that are so vital in our communities.”
Temperatures remain below or near freezing and any thaw is likely to be slow. A full weather forecast can be found on our weather pages here.
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