Published 27 January 2025
West Dunbartonshire Council’s frontline workers responded to emergencies amid challenging conditions as Storm Eowyn battered the region on Friday.
All public buildings and front facing offices, as well as schools, early learning centres and leisure centres were closed as a rare red warning was issued by the Met Office.
The highest warning available was in place between 10am until 5pm on Friday with an amber alert then in force.
The Council’s Resilience groups were stood up early on Thursday to prepare for the storm and ensure a swift and efficient response to any damage.
Teams were on hand reacting to reports of fallen trees and damaged buildings, as well as offering support to tenants and residents.
Over the weekend, the building services and standards teams responded to emergency calls which included assessing and securing buildings including on Gilmour Street in Alexandria and clearing up debris in the Garshake area where some roofs were affected by the gusts.
Housing staff assisted a family in Burnbrae, Alexandria as a fallen tree had blocked the front door and other exits from the home.
The housing response team also knocked on doors to reassure residents and to check the welfare of tenants.
Teams from both roads and greenspace, meanwhile, have been busy clearing roads of trees, branches and debris.
Renton Road had to close due to flooding on Friday and, because of the hazardous conditions, it was impossible for teams to be able to safely put out signs which would then have become a hazard themselves.
Due to a fallen tree which struck power lines, the road at Carman Hill between Renton and Cardross was also closed on Saturday.
Homecare workers were praised as they continued to provide a service to vulnerable residents throughout, and some residential staff worked overnight to ensure the safety of service users.
All schools and early learning and childcare centres were closed on Friday but reopened as planned today (Monday).
The clean up process will continue over the coming days and residents are asked for their patience while priority is given to the most urgent matters.
West Dunbartonshire Council Chief Executive, Peter Hessett, said: “Storm Eowyn was predicted to be disruptive and recovery will take time.
“Over the weekend, our dedicated teams pulled together and we have already seen incredible progress in clearing routes and ensuring the safety of residents and staff.
“I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to keep vital services going during the storm as well as on the recovery effort.
“Our resilience teams were stood up early on Thursday to ensure residents and staff were given time to respond to the warnings and I am heartened that so many people did as advised and stayed at home which inevitably lessened the community impact.”
West Dunbartonshire Council leader, Councillor Martin Rooney said: “I want to place on record my heartfelt thanks to the workers who helped with emergencies on Friday and over the weekend.
“Our homecare staff have rightly been praised for their dedication in very challenging conditions, ensuring a continued service to clients who rely on their support. Thank you for your efforts.
“Also thank you to many staff who were engaged in planning, answering phones and responding to resident enquiries throughout the day on Friday and beyond. I know this will have been challenging due to the number of enquiries received but this has been a valued service by our residents. Our offices remain busy with enquiries and I ask residents for their patience while teams work through the many requests which are coming in.
“Thanks also to our partners including the Met Office, emergency services and colleagues in health and social care for looking out for those most vulnerable during challenging conditions.”