The ongoing inclement weather continues to cause some disruption to highways and Council services across the County Borough and conditions are set to continue due to freezing temperatures and a chance of further snow flurries on Friday.

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 –

Meals on Wheels Service Disruptions

Normal service has resumed where possible
Home to School Transport

It is proposed to operate as close as possible to the normal home to school transport service on Friday 25th January. We cannot guarantee that all routes are capable of being completed without variation but every effort will be made to transport all pupils safely to and from school. Where pupils live away from the main roads, they are advised to make their way to the nearest bus stop along the main road.

All our contractors have been urged to take extreme care while out on the roads and it is accepted that in the interest of health and safety drivers may need to vary routes based on local conditions. Pupils are strongly advised to check and confirm whether a school is open prior to commencing their journey - school closures web page.

Where a contract includes collection from home, operators have been urged to contact the parents or carers by telephone to check local road conditions before setting out.

No Pass No Travel is suspended for Thursday and drivers have the discretion to operate on a hail and ride basis where it is safe to do so to support pupils in their efforts to get to school safely – subject to capacity.

The above arrangements and decisions are made in light of the current road and weather conditions and are subject to change should conditions deteriorate. With the risk of some adverse weather on Friday, schools may need to call on operators at short notice to convey pupils home earlier than the scheduled closing time. Parents are therefore advised to take note of this warning and make the necessary plans where required.

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 Friday 25th January.
Refuse and Recycling Collections

Refuse & Recycling collections will take place on Friday 25th January where streets are accessible. Please place at kerbside.
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 and Maerdy Mountain Roads have now been re-opened and are passble with extreme care due to on-going freezing weather and icy conditions.
The Bwlch Mountain Road remain closed until it is deemed safe for motorists. All efforts are being made to clear the road and this situation will be monitored closely with regular updates appearing on this page.
Council Building, Leisure Centres and Libraries

All Council office buildings are open. 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 (Friday) 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 last 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 Bwlch Mountain road.

"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 freezing conditions continuing, 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.