Walsall Council is urging residents to take extra care as Storm Goretti brings further snow, ice and freezing conditions across the borough.
A significant spell of snowfall due to Storm Goretti has resulted in difficult travel conditions in many areas. Council teams are continuing to monitor conditions closely and are carrying out winter service operations on priority routes.
Staying safe
Residents are advised to take sensible precautions to help keep themselves and others safe:
Only travel if necessary and allow extra time for journeys
Use gritted routes wherever possible
Wear suitable footwear with good grip when walking
Take care on untreated pavements, steps and paths, which may be icy
Check on vulnerable neighbours, relatives or friends where it is safe to do so
Drivers are reminded to drive according to the conditions, reduce speed, increase stopping distances and ensure vehicles are winter-ready, including having adequate fuel and screenwash.
Bin Collections
Bin collections have now been suspended (Jan 9).
We log every bin collection and are aware of which bins have not yet been emptied. Residents are advised to leave uncollected bins out until they are collected. Staff will be working throughout the weekend and any collections not completed will be done early next week.
Household Waste Recycling Centres (tips)
Both Fryers Road and Merchants Way Household Waste Recycling Centres are closed today (Jan 9).
Gritting
Winter gritting teams continue to treat priority roads, with decisions based on road surface temperatures, local weather forecasts and live data. Gritted routes can be viewed at: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/roadworks-and-road-maintenance/gritting
Gritting routes were treated at 6pm and 10pm last night (Jan 8), with ploughing also carried out.
Parks and water advice
All parks remain open (Jan 9) for pedestrian access only, with vehicle access closed, and the situation will be monitored throughout the day.
The Arboretum Visitor Centre is closed today (Jan 9)
Frozen ponds, lakes, canals and rivers pose significant safety risks, and residents are advised to keep themselves and children away from all bodies of water, particularly after dark.
Art Gallery & Leather Museum
Due to the Amber weather warning and the expected snowfall, the decision has been taken to close the Gallery and Leather Museum on January 9 in order to protect both staff and visitors. Visitors will be informed via the council’s social media channels, and the Gallery is currently expected to reopen on Saturday 10 January, subject to weather conditions.
Schools
For accurate information on school closures, it is recommended that parents and carers await information from their respective schools, who will communicate directly regarding any closures.
Checking school's websites and social media pages for the latest information is suggested.
Markets (Walsall Town Centre, Willenhall & Bloxwich)
All markets will be closed on Friday 9 January due to the Amber snow warning, with all traders advised, and Saturday’s markets will be reviewed depending on ground conditions such as snow and ice.
Leisure Centres
All leisure centres are currently open, but are not operating full programmes as usual. Please check their social media channels for up to date detailed information:
Bloxwich Active Living Centre - https://www.facebook.com/bloxwichactiveliving
Darlaston Swimming and Fitness Centre (open as usual) - https://www.facebook.com/DarlastonPool
Walsall Gala Swimming and Fitness Centre - https://www.facebook.com/WalsallGala
Oak Park Active Living Centre - https://www.facebook.com/oakparkactiveliving
Cemetries and crematoriums
Bentley – Closed all day. (Jan 9)
Ryecroft – Closed all day. (Jan 9)
Bloxwich – Pedestrian gate access only (cemetery lane gate is open to pedestrians)
North Walsall – Pedestrian gate access only.
Streetly – Gates closed for all visitors apart from crem services (we ask that all visits to the cemetery are postponed).
Willenhall Lawn Cemetery – Pedestrian gates open currently while site is cleared.
James Bridge Cemetery – open as normal, but surrounding roads face difficult conditions.
All sites will be monitored over the day, and cemetery gates will close at 16.00 (normal published time).
We ask all visitors to take extra care on site.
Libraries
All Libraries *except Streetly, will open at 11am until 4pm today (Jan 9).
Streetly will be closed all day (Jan 9).
Register Office
The Walsall Register Office is open for pre-booked appointments. If you cannot attend your appointment please notify the team in advance.
Other
The Goscote Centre, Fallings Heath, Essington Lodge, Bloxwich Launchpad, Walsall Arena & Arts Centre and TLC Hub are closed (Jan 9).
