Road crews brave storm to clear fallen trees

09 December 2024

Highways teams worked around the clock this weekend responding to nearly 100 emergency call-outs as Storm Darragh hit communities across West Northamptonshire.

Scores of staff from West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) highways partner Kier were out and about braving the severe weather conditions, dealing with 83 reports of trees and branches falling onto roads, footpaths and overhead cables and a further 15 reports of flooding on local roads.

West Northamptonshire was put on a yellow warning for strong winds and rain over the weekend just weeks after Storm Bert caused widespread flooding across the area. Despite crews working hard to ensure drains and gullies are well maintained – emptying around 20,000 gullies across West Northants in the past six months alone, more frequent and intense weather is leading to some roads flooding,

Highways teams are also now out and about this winter regularly gritting over 1,100km of roads as temperatures continue to drop, with over 5,500 tonnes of salt stockpiled for use on roads and footpaths and over 880 grit bins ready.

Councillor Phil Larratt, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Winter is always a really active time for our highways crews and this, coupled with the increased frequency of severe weather events, means they’re only getting busier and on standby 24/7 to deal with emergencies within our communities.

“I would like to thank them for all their efforts in responding to these latest incidents during Storm Darragh over the weekend and everything they do to keep our communities safe.”

Residents are encouraged to continue reporting any highways issues, flooding or fallen trees that they see on the Council’s website