Snow Wolves snow clearing scheme

The Snow Wolves scheme brings together volunteers to assist with the clearing of snow and ice from pavements during severe winter weather.

Snow Wolves compliments and enhances the Council's existing winter gritting operation which has not been changed.

If you are community-minded and would like to help your neighbourhood in the event of severe weather this winter, then we would like to hear from you!

We can support you by offering:

a Snow Wolves high-visibility vest
a plastic snow shovel
two 3kg shaker tubs of rock salt.

We have also created the following resources to provide you with useful information and to help those participating in the scheme to work safely and effectively:

Take your first step to joining the Snow Wolves scheme and complete the form below.

If you want to apply please do so quickly - applications are dealt with on a first come, first served basis and are limited to 50 volunteers in each ward. Please note that the scheme is open to Wolverhampton residents who are physically fit and aged 18 and over only. We will be in touch if your application is accepted.

FAQs

What is Snow Wolves?

As the winter months approach, heavy snowfall can cause challenges for some of our residents from young parents with children in pushchairs to the elderly and everyone in between. Those with illnesses, disabilities or have mobility issues. Snow Wolves is a volunteering project which encourages the citizens of Wolverhampton to voluntarily clear snow on public pathways in their street/neighbourhood.

Who are the Snow Wolves?

Snow Wolves are volunteers in their own community. Coming together in the spirit of neighbourliness, with a sense of community.

Can anyone be a part of Snow Wolves?

Yes as long as you are over 18 and fit and able. Clearing snow is hard work and we need volunteers who can undertake snow and ice clearance activities in poor weather conditions. If you have a heart condition, or you are in poor health, let someone else volunteer to be a part of the Snow Wolves project and do the hard work for you.

Will I be held liable if someone falls on a path I have cleared?

There is no law preventing you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your property, pathways to your property or public spaces. It is very unlikely that you would face any legal liability, as long as you are careful, and use common sense to ensure that you do not make the pavement or pathway clearly more dangerous than before. People using areas affected by snow and ice also have a responsibility to be careful themselves. However, if you clear snow away in a less than satisfactory manner from the highway and/or public footpaths and this leaves ice (which is potentially more dangerous than a covering of snow) then you may be liable to passers-by who fall and injure themselves. This is because you owe a common law duty of care to others (also called the law of negligence). You should therefore not do anything that makes an area unsafe for others. For more information see the Government website here.

Should I clear snow from the road?

Wolverhampton grits over 50% of the road network, manly main routes. If you decide to clear snow from a side road this will help vehicles get up and down your street. Road junctions and streets on an incline may have a grit bin located nearby for you to use. But again, a common sense approach should be applied and individuals should not put themselves in personal danger. For more information see the Met Office website here.

Are snow shovels provided by the Council?

Yes. The Council will provide a snow shovel, a hi-vis vest and a salt shaker.

Will I be paid for taking part in Snow Wolves?

No. There is no payment for being part of the Snow Wolves initiative, but you will know that you have made a positive difference in the lives of your neighbours.

Why is snow removal so important?

Snow that remains on public pathways is hazardous for everyone particularly the elderly and people with mobility issues; and the helpers and service providers that need to visit them.

What tips do you have for clearing snow and ice?

Start early: it is much easier to remove fresh, loose snow compared to compacted ice that has been compressed by people walking on it
Do not use hot water. This will melt the snow, but may replace it with black ice, increasing the risk of injury
If shovelling snow, consider where you are going to put it, so that it does not block people's paths, or block drainage channels. This could shift the problem elsewhere
Make a pathway down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on. Then you can shovel the snow from the centre to the sides
Spreading some salt on the area you have cleared will help to prevent any ice forming, but avoid spreading on plants or grass as they may be damaged by it. A few grams (a tablespoon) for each square metre you clear should work.

Do Snow Wolves pick up medication or groceries for residents in need during major snowfall events?

No. Snow Wolves do not pick-up or deliver medications or groceries as many of the larger pharmacies and supermarkets have this type of program in place. Snow Wolves will deal with public path clearance only.

I am an elderly person/disabled person. Will the Snow Wolves clear snow from my path?

There is no guarantee this will happen but it is certainly the intention of the programme.

My Council Tax is not issued by Wolverhampton, am I eligible?

No. Why not approach your own council to see if they have a similar scheme.

I'm still not sure what I have to do?

Viewing our short video introducing the scheme may help, or email snowwolves@wolverhampton.gov.uk for more information.

When will the kit be delivered?

Kit will be delivered weekdays between the hours of 8am and 4pm. We are unable to give you a time of delivery but you can specify a day that is convenient for you when completing the online form.

What happens when I've used up all the salt?

Email snowwolves@wolverhampton.gov.uk with your request, giving your address and we will supply you with another two shaker tubs of rock salt.

Who should I contact for more information?

Please email snowwolves@wolverhampton.gov.uk