UPTON looks set to adopt a self-help approach to ensure the town is able to keep moving during severe winter weather.

On Tuesday evening (December 14) Upton Town Council received a presentation from Chris Riley, who lives in Upton and works as a highways manager for Gloucestershire County Council.

The government has recently published new guidelines explaining to people exactly what they can do to try and help themselves in the event of snow or icy weather.

Mr Riley told councillors: “One of the things that we are trying to do at my council is to encourage people to take control into their own hands.

“It is nothing personal against smaller communities, but a county council’s main focus is always going to be on the main strategic network.”

He suggested putting together a working party in Upton to formulate a bad weather action plan, before approaching Worcestershire County Council for support.

“We would basically need a group of volunteers who want to make a difference, and would receive some basic training, a secure central stockpile for salt and a few basic tools,” he explained. “I think that we could basically keep the whole of Upton moving in bad weather, and make a real difference for the town.”

The town council was already in the process of setting up a working group, and mayor Andrea Morgan welcomed Mr Riley’s offer of assistance.

“I think that your expertise could be invaluable to us,” she told him, adding: “This is something that will be done sooner, rather than later.”

Coun Sheena Walsh suggested inviting other interested local groups and organisations, such as schools, shopkeepers and the fire service, to get involved.

An open meeting, under the banner 'Keep Upton Open', will be held in the council chamber at Memorial Hall at 7pm on Monday.