WITH high winds and intense rainfall hitting Gloucestershire this Christmas, there’s been no rest for the county’s fire and rescue crews and highways teams who have been out braving the elements.

The county’s highway teams have been monitoring the situation carefully and crews already on winter standby were ready to respond to any weather related incidents. Their focus has been clearing drains and fallen trees, while evenings have seen temperatures drop and the gritters out.

It has also been a busy time for fire and rescue teams with incidents ranging from a road traffic collisions  to a lamb stranded due to flood water in Tewkesbury on Christmas Day.

Gloucestershire Highways have been out gritting the major routes in advance of freezing temperatures. 

Drivers are urged to be prepared: check the latest updates ahead of their journeys and not to drive through any floodwater.

Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways and flood, said: “Our road crews put in tremendous effort to keep the county moving. I would like to thank crews for their dedication braving the weather so we can go about our daily lives, especially over the Christmas period.”

Will Windsor Clive, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: “Our fire and rescue crews continue to be fully prepared to respond to help keep the county safe. Please drive carefully, check your journey and don’t drive through flood water.”

You can report any issues on the roads via www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/reportit or call 08000 514 514.

Weather response updates will be posted on Twitter via @GlosHighways and @GlosCC