People 'terrified' of slipping on roads and pavements

The "lack of support" local communities have received during the ongoing freezing weather has drawn criticism from some quarters.

Speaking to Derry Now, Sinead Quinn, spokesperson for the Derry Against Fuel Poverty group said: People, particularly in outlying areas, are trapped in their houses, terrified to slip on a pavement or road."

"We knew there would be no additional money thanks to the collapse of the Executive teamed with the lack of care and commitment exhibited by the Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris and Rishi Sunak PM."

"What we didn't bank on was the lack of support from Roads Service and Department for Infrastructure during this prolonged cold snap. People, particularly in outlying areas, are trapped in their houses, terrified to slip on a pavement or road."

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"We have local community centres that are offering warm spaces to those who need them. We know older people sit in shopping centres and ride buses to stay warm. Some of us visit family and friends for a bit of respite. None of this is possible without the basic ability to leave home to begin with, said Ms Quinn.

The community activist added that it has taken several days for Roads Service to respond to requests to fill salt boxes.

She said: "And when they are filled, they're immediately empty again because neighbouring estates also need the grit. Pavements are deadly and the roads within estates and side streets are the same."

"Whilst this snap is forecast to finish on Monday, many streets and estates on the outskirts and in rural areas will continue to suffer over the winter months without further intervention. It simply isn't good enough that we are receiving less of a service at a time already filled with stress and worry."

"Tenants in social housing estates, for example, pay service charges for ground maintenance. If social housing providers can cut the grass, why can't they salt the roads and pavements? Everyone pays rates, Council could also step in. But at a bare minimum, Road Service have a duty to provide salt bins and salt and we are currently being failed massively on that front." 

"Derry Against Fuel Poverty is calling on Derry City and Strabane District Council to call an emergency meeting to engage with Roads Service, social housing providers, community groups and local Councillors to find ways to plug the gaps for people who are left vulnerable to the weather this winter before lives are lost unnecessarily."