Renfrewshire turned into winter wonderland

Dec 17 2011 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

AN army of council workers hit the streets yesterday to keep Renfrewshire moving after it was hit by unexpected snowfall.

The Met Office recorded 7cm of snow at their Bishopton weather station overnight and into yesterday morning.

Renfrewshire Council’s fleet of gritters were out on the roads from 5am, making sure the way was clear for drivers during the morning rush hour.

A council spokesperson said: “The snowfall overnight on Thursday into Friday was heavier than had been forecast but our teams were well prepared to deal with roads and footpaths.

“We were salting priority routes and also had our Streetscene team out from 5am and throughout the rest of the day, clearing and salting priority footpaths.”

Meanwhile, a gritter operated by East Renfrewshire Council had to be rescued after it skidded off the road on the Gleniffer Braes at 7.30am yesterday.

Another gritter, operated by Amey, went up in flames close to the M8 slip road at Erskine, causing considerable traffic disruption.

Dan Williams, from the Met Office, said the forecast is for a bright weekend and reasonably settled conditions, although there may be some showers which could fall as snow on higher ground.

Temperatures overnight and into tomorrow are expected to fall to below freezing, meaning drivers and pedestrians should take extra care.

l RIGHT: Council staff clear snow and slush from New Street, in Paisley, yesterday