City of Wolverhampton Council is on the look-out for an army of community-minded volunteers who are willing to help vulnerable neighbours in the event of snow and ice. The council has today launched its Snow Wolves scheme and wants to sign up 1,000 city residents who will clear snow and ice from pavements and the doorsteps of elderly and disabled neighbours.
Anyone who becomes a Snow Wolves volunteer will be given a free snow shovel, two 3kg shaker tubs of rock salt and a high-visibility vest. In return, they are asked to make a commitment to use the equipment for the benefit of their community in the event of heavy snow and ice.
The scheme has been created to complement the council’s winter service arrangements which will continue as usual. Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment, said: “By joining our team of Snow Wolves you will really be a hero for your community if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
“The council will give you a free snow shovel, two large shaker tubs of rock salt and a high-visibility vest. “In the event of heavy snow and ice, the council’s priority has to be gritting the highway network and snow clearance to keep the roads moving and ensuring the city doesn’t grind to a halt.
“This is vital work and means that we can’t always get out to treat non-priority pavements and the driveways of vulnerable residents as quickly as people want. “That’s where Snow Wolves come in. We want an army of community-minded volunteers who know their local areas and will be able to clear snow and ice from pavements and properties of neighbours in need.
“Similar schemes operate in other parts of the country – including Sandwell and Walsall – and are extremely popular.” Snow Wolves packs will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Applicants should be physically fit and aged over 18. Anyone interested in signing up to join the Snow Wolves can do so via www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/snowwolves
