Torridge staff beat the snow

SENIOR caretaker Adrian Blight was so determined to get to work at Torridge District Council that he drove through the heavy snow to the council s Riverbank House offices in his tractor! Adrian, who lives at Fairy Cross, has had to use his tractor before

SENIOR caretaker Adrian Blight was so determined to get to work at Torridge District Council

that he drove through the heavy snow to the council's Riverbank House offices in his tractor!

Adrian, who lives at Fairy Cross, has had to use his tractor before so when he woke up to a thick blanket covering of snow and a blizzard blowing he had no hesitation in using it again for the four-mile journey.

He said: "It was blowing a blizzard at home and I didn't think I'd ever manage to get to work in my van. But then I thought, why not use my old Leyland again?"

He also used his tractor to drive along Bideford Quay to deliver rock salt to the council's Bridge Buildings offices.

Adrian was one of a number of staff who made an extra special effort to get to work during the adverse weather conditions. Others walked into the Bideford offices from Littleham and Westward Ho! and the Holsworthy refuse team lent a hand brushing footpaths clear of snow in and around the town.

Stephen Parish, who lives in Torrington, walked the seven miles to Westcombe Depot in Bideford along the Tarka Trail. He said: "I usually ride my bike, but it was a bit too icy, so I decided to walk. It was beautiful!"

Council leader James Morrish said: "Adrian and Stephen are part of a whole team who battled against the elements to ensure we put the needs of our community first, not just in Bideford, but in all our sites throughout the district. The efforts of our dedicated staff are a glowing illustration of the commitment Torridge District Council has to serving our communities."

For further information please contact Ian Hayter, Communications Officer, on 01237 428749, email ian.hayter@torridge.gov.uk or communications@torridge.gov.uk