The current cold spell and today’s light dusting of snow provide a timely reminder of the arrangments in place in the event of severe weather.

Hambledon has an agreed emergency plan, prepared by the parish council, and linked to arrangements at both Waverley Borough and Surrey County Councils.

The parish has been assured that if snow is forecast Hambledon Road, from Lane End to Hydestile and beyond, will be gritted by Surrey County Council. This same stretch of road is also listed as a priority route for snow clearance.

Once again Peter Knight of Burgate Farm has agreed to use a plough blade provided by the county council, fitted to one of his tractors, to clear roads that will not be swept by SCC. These include Salt Lane, Vann Lane, Roundals Lane and Cricket Green.

The three SCC grit bins at Roundals Lane, Church Lane and Cricket Green junction with Hambledon Road, together with the one outside the parish at the top of Lodge Bottom near Busbridge Lakes, have been filled.

The parish council has provided an additional bin at the top of Woodlands Road, and this is also full.   Please remember that the contents of bins are for footpath and highways use only.

A sensible precaution is for residents to stock up on salt and grit for use on drives and garden paths and to have a shovel at the ready.

The parish council’s emergency plan co-ordinator is Stewart Payne, helped by Tim Coleman and Nick Watson. Please contact them if you need help in bad weather (numbers below). They have four-wheel drive utility vehicles, chain saws and digging equipment at their disposal, together with an additional supply of grit.

If you need further help or assistance please contact Stewart Payne on 07831 393561, Tim Coleman on 07838 763767or Nick Watson on 07770 553686.

The parish council will be liaising with both Surrey CC and Waverley in the event of severe weather and will be carrying updates on this website which will also have information on any local closures, including the shop and nursery school. Local radio will also be carrying updates.

Surrey County Council is responsible for gritting and snow ploughing roads. Details of its preparations can be found at www.surreycc.gov.uk/winter

Surrey also will be giving information on Twitter at www.twitter.com/surreytravel

Waverley is responsible for the welfare of householders in the borough and for essential services such as refuse collection, which may be disrupted during bad weather. Its website will carry updates at www.waverley.gov.uk or contact the council on 01483 523333 or 02392 242161 out of hours