Rossendale Borough Council is working with Lancashire County Council, the NHS, Greenvale Homes, Help Direct and all the emergency services to keep people safe and maintain services in the event of severe winter weather. 

Keeping safe and accessing services during extreme winter weather

Full details of Lancashire County Council's winter service

The following information explains how we will respond and how you can minimise the problems for yourself, your family and your neighbours.

Gritting and Grit Bins 

Lancashire County Council is responsible for the gritting service within the Rossendale area and the filling of the Grit Bins. The grit within the bins is for use on minor roads and public pathways.  

Rossendale Borough Council will work with the County Council and other partners to clear snow on footpaths in high priority areas round the town centres.

You can now view gritting maps online.

Self Help

Please note that it is not against the law to clear the area in front of your own home of snow or ice. Further information on clearing snow or ice.

Refuse Collection Services

Rossendale Borough Council will always try to maintain the refuse service, but if it is deemed too dangerous for the collections to continue we will regularly update residents via a telephone message, our website, Twitter and Facebook.

If we are unable to collect your bin on your usual collection day we will attempt to resume your collection service as soon as is possible, so please leave your bin out until it is emptied.

In the event of extreme weather conditions we will prioritise the collection of residual waste (green wheelie bins and purple sacks) over recycling.

School Closures

School closure decisions are the responsibility of the individual Head Teacher within the school, based on an assessment of risk to pupils and staff.   Schools update information on their own websites and information is also publicised on BBC Radio Lancashire.   

Keeping Safe and Warm

If you have a problem with keeping your house warm, you may be able to apply for a Warm Front Grant further information is available from Help Direct on 0303 333 1111. 

More hints and tips about keeping safe and warm in winter weather.

Check on Your Neighbour

We would encourage everyone to check on their neighbour during severe winter conditions, some people may experience difficulties in shopping, obtaining medicine, visiting the doctor or keeping warm.  Help Direct can direct residents to a range of services if they are experiencing difficulties.

Street Cleansing

Snow and icy weather conditions also have an impact on our Street Cleansing service. The team will continue to undertake some of its regular maintenance functions, including emptying street litterbins.

In the event of prolonged snow or ice members of the Cleansing team will be asked to assist in clearing snow. Places will be cleared in priority order; however, it may not be possible to clear all priority areas during wintry conditions.

Parks and Open Spaces

Snow and icy weather conditions have an impact on our Parks and Open Spaces team. During poor weather conditions the team will continue to undertake some of its regular maintenance functions, including tasks such as grave diggings, arboriculture work and shrub bed pruning.

In the event of prolonged snow or ice members of the Parks and Open Spaces team will be asked to assist in clearing snow. Places will be cleared in priority order; however, it may not be possible to clear all priority areas during wintry conditions.