Welwyn Garden City pensioner's anger at being snowed in
A PENSIONER has spoken of her disgrace at being forced to stay indoors because of the snow and slippery ice. Pamela Waller said she was appalled at the way elderly people were being treated in WGC, because of the wintry conditions. The 81-year-old is o
A PENSIONER has spoken of her "disgrace" at being forced to stay indoors because of the snow and slippery ice.
Pamela Waller said she was appalled at the way elderly people were being treated in WGC, because of the wintry conditions.
The 81-year-old is one of 12 pensioners who live in borough council-owned sheltered accommodation in Wellcroft Road.
She will not leave her home in fear of falling over on the icy pavement outside.
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"The state of the paths and roads for elderly people is terrible", said Pamela.
"I can't and daren't go out and neither can anyone in the 12 bungalows.
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"I was assured by Welwyn Hatfield Council and Hertfordshire County Council that Wellcroft Road would be cleared.
"Nobody has appeared and we have 12 people here who cannot get out of the door."
Pamela added: "The snow has been forecast for ages now, yet the town centre is like a skating rink.
"Why do they [the council] hound people for council tax when they don't even earn it by gritting the roads?
"If there is an emergency, who will be held responsible?
"I think it is an absolute disgrace."
A borough council spokeswoman said: "We do not have the capacity to grit or shovel pathways around welfare housing.
"In adverse weather like this we therefore advise people to keep their travel to a minimum and take extra care if they do have to go out.
"The scheme manager at Wellcroft Road has confirmed that doorways and other access routes are not blocked so residents are able to get in and out should they need to.
"The welfare services team also made efforts to contact all residents in the council's sheltered schemes yesterday, to make sure they had sufficient food and heating supplies and help arrange any additional support, where necessary during the course of the poor weather."
A county council spokesman said snow ploughs were deployed to clear blockages in areas prioritised in conjunction with the police.
County councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for highways and transportation, said: "Our teams are working round the clock to keep as many routes as possible open.
