TWO councils have been described as “woeful” for the way they responded to the heaviest snowfall Somerset has seen in years.

Councillor Ian Morrell, an independent member of Taunton Deane Borough Council, made the comment when flood rears were raised during the recent debate on the Firepool planning application.

He said: “We all saw how woeful Taunton Deane and Somerset County Council were in relation to the recent snow.

WEATHER WARNING: Snow to bring more disruption to Somerset this weekend

“When it comes to it, I do not think that we will have the whereabouts to put these temporary defences in place before serious damage is done.”

But Councillor David Fothergill, leader of Somerset County Council, has invited Cllr Morrell to time with the teams who kept the county moving when 20cm of snow battered the county when Storm Emma and the Beast from the East struck a fortnight ago.

Bridgwater Mercury:

Cllr Fothergill said: “I think Cllr Morrell needs to come and spend time with our Highways team who worked 24/7 during the worst weather the county has experienced for years gritting more than 14,000 miles of road to keep main roads clear of snow and ice.

“Or our social workers who sledged and walked to work to ensure our most vulnerable children and adults were looked after.

“Or our Somerset registrars who made it to every venue when the couple wanted to go ahead with their wedding. Or our transporting Somerset team who ensured patients made it to vital dialysis appointments throughout the severe weather conditions, if he feels our response was ‘woeful’.”

Bridgwater Mercury:

Gritting crews  the equivalent of driving from Taunton to New York via Hong Kong  from Wednesday, February 28, and over the following weekend.

More than 1,800 tonnes of salt was used in the battle to keep roads clear – weighing the same as 257 elephants.

Somerset County Council’s fleet of 23 gritters were in continuous use targeting the principal road network, while district council partners assisted in urban areas. Contingency plans to employ farm contractors to use tractors and snowploughs to clear snow were also activated.