What lessons can Belsize and Camden learn from the recent snowfalls?

For the second year running Belsize has been turned into an ice rink making it virtually impossible for anyone to walk or drive safely through our neighbourhood.

After last year’s snow the Council increased its stocks of grit for winter, but they – like every other council in the country – have been completely overwhelmed by the current conditions. Gritting has been going on more or less around the clock throughout Camden for weeks, but unfortunately most of Belsize is low priority because most of our roads have comparatively little traffic and our pavements have lower footfall.

It’s perfectly possible we will get more winters like this in the coming years as global warming increases. Climate change models predict much wetter winters and more extreme weather events so it’s reasonably likely that most cold snaps will lead to large snowfalls in future.

I have asked Camden’s Head of Streets and Sustainability to consider three things in the light of the current circumstances:

• The introduction of more self-serve grit bins in an area like Belsize so that residents can take action themselves if necessary
• A re-evaluation of Camden’s winter resilience plan incorporating the likely future effects of climate change
• Whether we are getting the balance right between the needs of pedestrians and motor vehicles in emergency situations like these

I think we as a community also need to take some responsibility for the changing conditions by equipping ourselves with the right footwear, snow chains for cars and possibly a shovel per house. I'm also going to get a sledge and possibly some cross-country skis!

And for those who are struggling with poorly insulated flats, can I recommend the Transition Belsize Draught Busting Workshop? This is aimed at helping residents to make their homes more energy efficient at very little expense. The next Transition Belsize Draught Busting Workshop will be on Sunday 17th January from 2pm to 4pm. For more details see the Transition Belsize website .