Storm Goretti: Walsall Updates

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 from 5pm on Thursday 8 January through to 9am on Friday 9 January has cause difficult travel conditions.

Council teams are continuing to monitor conditions closely and 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. 

Council services 

Bin Collections

Bin collections are temporarily paused this morning (Jan 9). Conditions at 10am and collections will resume where safe to do so. Please leave your bins out if they have not been emptied.

Household Waste Recycling Centres (tips)

Both Fryers Road and Merchants Way Household Waste Recycling Centres are closed until further assessment at 10am.

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 both 6pm and 10pm last night (Jan 8).

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. 

• Ryecroft – Closed all day. 

• 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.

Streetly will be closed all day. 

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).

ENDS