The ongoing inclement weather continues to cause some disruption to highways and Council services across the County Borough and conditions are set to continue in to this week, due to freezing temperatures and further snow showers today (Wednesday).

People are urged to be on their guard, to check the latest conditions and arrangements before venturing outside and to ensure they take extreme caution when out and about, especially if they are driving.

The Council would like to reassure residents that all efforts are now being made to operate as close to “business as usual” where possible. Please be patient whilst we carry out the necessary clean ups over the next few days – thank you for your continued support.

Latest updates on Council services from across Rhondda Cynon Taf –

Council Meetings

The Council Meeting planned to take place today (23/01/13) is cancelled.
Meals on Wheels Service Disruptions

Every effort is being made to provide this service today (Wednesday).
Home to School Transport

As a result of the forecast for more snowfall and continued freezing and icy conditions on Tuesday night into Wednesday a decision has been made to withdraw all Home to School Transport for (Wednesday 23rd January). The Council has taken this decision to ensure minimum disruption to parents and pupils and above all to ensure the safety of staff and children.
As always the decision to close a school due to inclement weather is made, at all times, by the headteacher and governing body. All schools self-populate the school closures web page - ensuring parents and pupils have the latest information on their school.
School Closures

As always the decision to close a school due to inclement weather is made, at all times, by the headteacher and governing body. All schools self-populate the school closures web page - ensuring parents and pupils have the latest information on their school. Information is currently being updated to the school closures web page by each individual school regarding Wednesday23rd January.
If the school closures page above is not working please click here for the static page - NB this page may not be in live time.

Refuse and Recycling Collections

ALL Special, Bulky, Refuse and Recycling collections for Wednesday 23rd January have been suspended so that operatives can be redeployed to refill the County Borough's 1100 Grit bins and clear the snow. Residents can be reassured that the Council will get to their areas as soon as possible.
Gritting of Side Streets and Main Highways

The majority of main roads and bus routes are open and the focus continues to be on all other routes, including side streets, which will be treated as soon as possible over the next few days. Medical emergencies and secondary schools are being dealt with as a priority due to exams taking place this week. Residents can be reassured that the Council will get to their areas as soon as possible.
Grit bins continue to be refilled up and down the County Borough - however there have been reports of people stock piling grit and these bins are being emptied within minutes of them being filled. Please ensure that the grit is used for highways and footpaths only.
Mountain Roads

The Rhigos Mountain Road has been forced to close due to continuing snowfall and on-going freezing weather and icy conditions.
The Bwlch and Maerdy Mountain Roads remain closed until they are deemed safe for motorists. All efforts are being made to clear the two mountain roads and this situation will be monitored closely with regular updates appearing on this page.
Motorists should not attempt to drive over these roads, even if cones have been removed - They are closed for your safety!

Council Building, Leisure Centres and Libraries

All Council office buildings are currently open and the situation is being closely monitored, this page will be updated if the situation changes later today (Wednesday). The Council is continuing to operate as close to “business as usual”, as possible, including One4All Centres, Leisure Centres and Libraries. For information on Leisure Centres and Libraries please contact your local centre/library.
Burials and Cremations

Burials and cremations planned to take place today (Wednesday) will be at the discretion of the families concerned and their funeral directors - if they do take place, take extra care on side routes and paths.
Public Transport

For information on Public Transport, running across Rhondda Cynon Taf, residents are advised to contact the relevant companies directly - Traveline Cymru, Arriva Trains Wales, Stagecoach, BBC Travel
Streetcare officers are continuing to work throughout the County Borough, delivering regular treatment of the roads network, constantly patrolling and monitoring and undertaking additional treatments where needed and, importantly, responding to community concerns and needs and changing weather conditions.

The latest information available on the predicted weather is also being used to continue to make critical decisions around issues such as school closures, road closures, home to school transport and the delivery of frontline service.

The key focus of all decisions is on protecting communities, especially the elderly and the vulnerable and working confidently and robustly to maintain, where possible, services as usual.

Councillor Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member for Frontline Services said:

"Following the significant amount of snowfall and continued icy conditions, residents are urged to take extra care whilst out and about.

"Abandoned cars and inconsiderate parking on main roads continues to hamper snow ploughs and I would ask drivers to move them as soon as it is safe to do so.

"Thanks to the dedicated teams who have been gritting our highways throughout the day and night since Thursday night the majority of main roads and bus routes are open and all efforts are now being made to clear side streets and re-open the Rhigos, Maerdy and Bwlch Mountain roads. Additional staff from parks, cleansing and refuse and recycling have been drafted in to assist Highways teams in snow clearance of town centres, medical facilities, nursing homes, day centres etc.

"Residents can be assured all available Council resources are being deployed to assist the Councils Highways Teams over the next few days so that the Council can operate as close to “business as usual” where possible.

"However, with the forecasted snowfall set to continue on Wednesday followed by freezing conditions overnight, residents are urged to take reasonable precautions and take heed of the warnings issued and avoid all but the most essential travel in the days ahead."

Those who have elderly friends, family members and neighbours are urged to check on them to ensure they are safe and to visit this website for the latest updates, including weather conditions, road closures, school closures and other useful information.

Find out the latest information, including school closures and the road situation, which includes a map of the essential road network on this website, follow us on twitter or if you are experiencing and emergency call 425011.

Having fun in the snow? Don’t forget to email us your snow pictures publicrelationsandstrategy@rctcbc.gov.uk or tweet us.