BEPTON Parish Resilience Plan: 2020/21

1. This plan is designed to provide a framework for a Parish based
   approach to deal with severe winter conditions as experienced in
   2009/10, and similar emergencies.
   What are the objectives of the Plan?
2. To enable people in Bepton to access and continue to use the
   roads in the event of heavy snowfall or obstruction from fallen trees.
3. To ensure best possible access by emergency services.
   Identified Key Risks and Hazards
4. In times of extreme weather conditions, the disruptions are from:
    Hazardous road conditions and blockage of roads because of snow
   and ice on:
    Primary routes: Bepton Road, Severals Road, Bugshill/Bell
   Lane access points.
    Steep inclines and at junctions
    Fallen trees (all roads)
    Fallen power cables (limited)
    Severed telephone cables
    Power failures resulting in loss of electricity supply and thus loss of
   heating and cooking facilities, access to sources of information (e.g.
   the internet) and lighting
    Telecoms disruption (land line & cellular) resulting in loss of
   communication
   WSCC Offer
5. The WSCC Offer is as set out in their document ‘Supporting Local
   Community Winter Plans 2020/21′.
6. In brief, the Offer is that WSCC would grit those roads, in the
   Precautionary Network. Bepton Parish Council have identified Bepton
   Road, Severals Road, Bugshill Lane and Bell Lane as local priority. ACS
   Services will undertake precautionary salting/gritting, and, if necessary,
   clearance of them because of a WSCC notification of a significant snow
   event. A map of the roads accompanies this plan.
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   Bepton Parish – Resilience Plan 2020/21
7. WSCC will also provide £35 per hour towards the local contractor
   (ACS Services) to clear snow because of a significant snow event, from
   the roads identified in paragraphs 4 & 6 of this plan. Note ACS charge
   out rate is £85 per hour for the first hour and £45 thereafter, the shortfall
   will be payable by Bepton PC.
8. If the Parish Council decided to ask a contractor to do any further
   gritting or snow clearing that was not agreed by WSCC, the cost would
   fall to the Parish Council. Similarly, the cost of any new salt or grit bags
   would fall to Bepton Parish Council. We currently have no salt or grit
   bags in Bepton. The approved local contractor for Bepton is ACS Ltd.
9. People are encouraged to work together to clear the necessary
   routes and give access for those less able to help themselves.
10. Owners of four-wheel drive vehicles are encouraged to give
    assistance wherever and in whatever way possible. Drivers should have
    regard to the nature of the road and weather conditions and always
    consider safety first.
    Fallen Trees
11. Bepton has several heavily wooded areas. In extreme high winds
    or heavy snow conditions, trees may be brought down causing
    blockages to roads or pulling down overhead power and
    telecommunication lines. The utilities will normally be aware as soon as
    this happens and take the necessary action, but residents should check
    that this is the case.
12. Often oaks or pines heavily laden with ivy vines are the first to
    succumb when there are snow /severe gales. Some residents take
    preventative action by cutting the ivy vines to avoid this as it causes the
    leaves to then drop.
13. If a fallen tree interferes with power or telecom lines the
    appropriate utility supplier should be contacted so that any
    risk/clearance is managed by them. Where the tree is blocking the road
    or is on a highway verge the West Sussex Highways Dept. should be
    contacted.