Community spirit wins the week!

Friday 02 March 2018

With snow, ice, low temperatures and flooding affecting the islands this week, a number of people have gone above and beyond to help others.

While many are paid to maintain levels of public service "whatever the weather", a number of private businesses and individuals have also helped others, while those in public office have also taken steps to ensure those in more vulnerable situations have been coping.

With an orange level snow warning issued at the beginning of the week, increasing to a red warning by Wednesday afternoon, the official advice from the emergency services yesterday was to stay off the roads yesterday. However a number of workers had to go out, and their efforts didn't go unnoticed by many:

Posting on a public forum on Facebook, Leigh Savident said "huge well done to the States Works last night. Driving from St Martins at 05:15 today to Alliance I didn’t see a patch of ice. Down past Jefferys and the Market is safer than yesterday, but I saw plenty of grit on the roads so they had been out early."

Others were using the same 'Good or Bad Guernsey Businesses' page to praise health care staff. Both the Princess Elizabeth Hospital and the Medical Specialist Group were operating as "normal" for most of the week, however a handful of clinics and surgeries were cancelled to enable staff and patients to get home safely.

Writing on Facebook Petra Du Plessis said: "A Massive thank you to the drivers of the HSC staff buses. You are literally lifesavers and are keeping the hospital going for those who need it" while Marion Marquis said "thanks to all the Emergency Services, PEH staff, States Works and everyone else who kept us safe during the last few days. You are appreciated!"

Speaking on behalf of the States of Guernsey, its Chief Executive, Paul Whitfield, said:

"The last three days have not been without challenge but staff across the States have worked incredibly hard to maintain vital services. Whether it was States Works staff out at all hours, and in all conditions, to make the roads passable or health professionals sleeping at the PEH to ensure adequate staff numbers, I am proud of the efforts of all staff across government and I thank them for their continued commitment."

Aside from those employed by the States, CT Plus worked hard to keep the bus service running. Lee Murphy and his crew of drivers managed to keep most routes going when the weather allowed, however sometimes the ice did get the better of them.

Many passengers told CT Plus they were grateful for their efforts to communicate route changes during the wintry weather. Roxy Williams commented on the CT Plus Facebook page said a "huge thank you for keeping us up to date! It is greatly appreciated" while Sally Tester wrote "your updates have been great over the last few days, thanks so much."

The Bailiwick's milk men and rubbish collectors didn't let the icy weather stop them, with most rounds continuing as normal. Philip Le Page wrote on Facebook saying: "Tip of the hat to those collecting our rubbish over night. I walked outside this morning and saw a tub of water, three inches deep and frozen solid. You can imagine how cold it must have been, but at the pinnacle of the temperature drop our bins were still collected."

While the bins were being emptied and milk was being delivered, a hardy bunch were hard at work at both Guernsey and Alderney airports from the very early hours to try and keep flights moving. While they were defeated with no flights in or out of Alderney for two days, and intermittent disruption earlier in the week before Guernsey Airport closed on Thursday 1 March, their efforts were noted.

Sunrise at last. A long night here. pic.twitter.com/O3LzaWksNN

— Guernsey Airport ✈ (@GuernseyAirport) February 27, 2018

Meanwhile, our colleagues up in @Alderneyairport are facing this.... pic.twitter.com/EKZ6ZRj8S1

— Guernsey Airport ✈ (@GuernseyAirport) February 27, 2018

Meanwhile, in Alderney, States Works staff received praise for ensuring pathways were clear through St Annes so pedestrians could make their way around safely. The island was covered in snow for most of the week but Krys Page was among those who managed to make her way to the shops.

States workers making a path for pedestrians on Victoria Street in Alderney THANK YOU pic.twitter.com/gxng5F3wMk

— Lucky Alderney Lady (@luckygirl22) March 1, 2018

 Also in Alderney, police officers helped out to ensure the more vulnerable residents had all they needed.

In Sark, life appeared to continue as normal, with a dose of humour. The pubs were open and the paths were 'salted' to make sure they were as safe as could be! 

Pictured: Mark Pontin, landlord of the Bel Air, with a helpful punter!

Once the snow had melted away in Guernsey, there were other problems to contend with as high tides and strong winds brought the morning's rush hour to a standstill along the east coast on Friday 2 March.

As with earlier in the week, the Civil Protection Volunteers were out in force.