Warning over dangers of sledging (From Leigh Journal)
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Warning over dangers of sledging
3:35pm Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News
Jan Eastham from Atherton captured this scene taken from Bolton Road looking across the fields towards Shakerley estate with Tyldesley Parish Church of St George visible in the middle distance after the snow fall earlier this week
FUN-seekers have been warned about the hazards of sledging.
Recent snow sent scores of fun-seekers heading for the Green Hill alongside Leigh Road at Howe Bridge, all chasing the rare thrill of some time on the piste.
But the sledging urge brought a timely warning from Garry Rhodes, Bolton Mountain Rescue team leader.
Mr Rhodes, from Tyldesley, said: “People tend to injure themselves more when sledging in shallow snow.
“Our advice would be to check what you’re sledging into before you set off.
“As long as people are aware that the weather can change rapidly, there’s no reason to stop them having a great time.”
The warning comes after two people were injured in sledging incidents last Saturday.
An 18-year-old was treated for suspected spinal injuries and a man in his 20s broke his leg in two separate incidents.
SNOWFALL brought disruption to the Leigh area this week.
Weathermen correctly forecast snow on Friday and a further heavier downfall which began early on Monday resulted in disruption.
Although side roads caused some problems for motorists, council gritters and a steady flow of traffic meant there were few major problems on main routes.
Wigan Council cancelled Monday's waste bin collections and most of the borough’s schools closed along with public libraries. The majority of schools opened as normal on Tuesday but some were closed on both days.
Wigan Council said the decision to suspend Monday’s waste collections was taken on health and safety grounds.
A spokesman said: “There was heavy snowfall overnight and as it continued it made many roads unsafe for our vehicles.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused. The decision was taken to protect the safety of the public and our staff.”
As the council now operates a fortnightly collection, those households who missed their collection have been advised their waste will not be collected for another two weeks.
At their next collection, residents can leave side waste next to their bins and it will be collected.
Call 01942 404364 for more details.
The Met Office has predicted more snow and freezing temperatures to continue to hit the borough this week and transport chiefs are urging motorists to be vigilant.
