Snow Closes Stock Hill: Why?

12.02.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 28th Jan 2006

In the 29th December Biggin Hill News' an article by the Tory Executive Councillor for the Environment stated there was a dedicated 'snow line' but no number! He said how gritters would operate and the plans to ensure bus routes and steep hills would receive priority treatment. The weather forecast gave early warning of what to expect yet conditions were appalling on the 30th.

Stock Hill - a main bus route and steep hill had to be closed by the police, as it was a danger to motorists and pedestrians. They called for a gritter but the road was not opened until 10am. "Why," asks Bob Shekyls, "was the main access to the valley not salted? It is disgraceful it was left in a dangerous condition, surely the weather station on Main Road would warn of the drop in temperature".