MOORE : LESSONS FROM COLD SNAP MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN

12.00.00am GMT Thu 14th Jan 2010

With heavy snow still causing problems in many areas of the south of Scotland, local MP Michael Moore has invited the Scottish Secretary to visit the Borders and meet with some of the groups that have been involved in dealing with the crisis.

In his letter, Mr Moore praised the efforts of local council and emergency staff but expressed his concern over the difficulties that have been experienced in obtaining adequate quantities of salt to clear roads. Although SBC have confirmed this morning that major routes are now passable with care, side streets and many roads in more rural areas remain untreated.

Commenting, Mr Moore said:

'From my extensive discussions with senior council officials in the Borders it seems clear that the national contingency plans, within Scotland and across the UK completely failed to anticipate a situation where many authorities were calling off the maximum amounts under their contracts at the same time. We cannot afford a repeat of this experience in the future.

'With salt supplies perilously low and with further severe weather today, we must ensure that the failures which caused such problems for people across the Borders are not forgotten.

'In my letter to the Scottish Secretary I have invited him to come and meet some of the people that have been involved in dealing with the crisis in the Borders. It is essential that their views are taken on board during what is likely to be a lengthy post-mortem on the Governments response to the cold weather.'