THE REGION WEATHERS THE STORM

THE snow and icy conditions that have affected the UK over since Christmas 2009 continue and they have had a major effect on businesses, education and our infrastructure. The costs are now being assessed and the cycle of freezing and thawing has produced a massive headache. Across the UK we now face flood problems as the snow melts adding further pressure onto the already weakened road surfaces. Geoff French, who is the Vice-President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, told the press that the thawing could bring little respite, with drivers having to cope with increasing numbers of potholes. Also utilities firms have taken thousands of calls about leaks from frozen pipes. In the long run, this will prove to be a far bigger issue than merely a shortage of salt for gritting treacherous roads, warns the Institution of Civil Engineers. Meanwhile, the deadline for UK university applications has been extended by a week because of the adverse weather. Could all this be avoided with better planning in future though? What are your views on this? Email us now to  news24@southportreporter.com.  These are just a few snow shots Southport and Liverpool over this last week.

Page 1 of 2
If you like the photos, please order them and do not copy them.  Help to keep this site online.  Click here to find out out you can get you copy of these photos.