Storm Eunice: Dorset schools advised to close and services suspended
There'll be no bin collections, libraries will be shut and tips closed
Dorset Council say they've made the 'difficult decision' to shut down most of their services for tomorrow (Friday 18th February), due to Storm Eunice.
With 100 mph winds expected, the local authority has advised all schools to close for the day.
Many services run by Dorset Council will also be suspended on Friday, including:
Council transport, including school and social care
Day centres will be closed
Closure of all household recycling centres
Suspension of bin collections - do not put your bins out for collection on Friday 18th February. There will be an attempt to collect rubbish on Saturday 19th February instead. Food waste will be emptied on your next collection day (Friday 25th February). The authority hopes to collect missed recycling on Saturday 26th February. Garden and commercial waste customers will be contacted separately.
Libraries and council owned buildings will be closed to the public
Roads could be closed at short notice
Durlston Country Park is closed and scheduled performances cancelled
Cllr Graham Carr Jones, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community Safety and Emergency Planning, said:
“The decision to suspend services has not been taken lightly and the priority is to prevent injury and loss of life.
“The council has taken heed of the warnings from the Met Office, and due to their predictions of extremely strong wind, we have taken the precautionary decisions to suspend services and advise all schools close and children stay at home.
“We have plans in place for scenarios such as this and we feel well prepared. Highways and arboricultural teams will be on stand-by throughout the weekend to deal with highways issues, fallen trees and debris on the roads.”
“Residents need to take precautions to make sure they safe and well until the storm passes.”