Banbury’s pedestrianised streets are to be kept free of snow and ice after local businesses, and Cherwell District Council, answered a call for town centre snow wardens.
Last month the town council appealed for businesses to help with the gritting of pavements in the shopping streets – Betts Butchers in Church Lane became the first to sign up last week. Now, following discussions between the Leader of Banbury Town Council, Councillor Kieron Mallon and the Leader of Cherwell District Council, Councillor Barry Wood, the District Council has taken responsibility for Market Place, Parsons Street, High Street, Broad Street (to George Street), Butchers Row and Bridge Street.
On the partnership, Councillor Mallon said: “This is a fantastic boost to the snow warden scheme. Shopper safety is extremely important, and I am pleased that our two councils can work together to ensure the town centre remains safe, even in the most wintery conditions. Unlike other suggestions that would have put a cost on to Banbury residents, this initiative will not cost the taxpayer a penny more.”
The town centre scheme is an extension of the town council snow wardens project, which has been running since 2013, and sees nearly 100 volunteers gritting the roads and streets where they live. The scheme began after Oxfordshire County Council reduced its gritting programme.
There are still places in the town centre not covered by the scheme, so the appeal continues to other Banbury businesses. All materials and training are provided by Banbury Town Council.
If you're a Banbury business and want to get involved, please contact Kieron Mallon on: [email protected].