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University slips up over snowfall

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Written by Laura Miller

Tuesday, 10 February 2009 16:05

snowman

Many students were left struggling to stay upright around a half empty campus on Monday after the University failed to take early action following the snowfall.

The University did not issue a statement telling students classes had been cancelled until after many had braved the extreme weather to start the new semester.

On arrival students faced untreated, iced over campus walkways. Grit or salt was not used to make paths safe for those entering or exiting University buildings in time for nine-o-clock lectures.

Robert Stephen Chalke, a caretaker, said: "I've just got back from snowboarding in France and they just deal with it there. I'm embarrassed by this country."

The tools to salt University paths were locked in a cupboard and only one member of the grounds staff had the key. He couldn’t get onto campus due to the weather, forcing caretaking staff to break down the cupboard door to gain access.

Salting began at around nine thirty, including on the half a metre of snow on the quadrant by the John Galsworthy building.

By late last Monday morning the University had put a statement on Blackboard telling students not to travel towards Kingston. Hundreds of classes were also cancelled on Tuesday.

Many students who expected to start campus jobs on Monday and Tuesday have lost money due to the closure.

Several events across Kingston campuses have been cancelled, including the Deadly Serious Art Fundraiser at Knights Park, and two days of the Mental Health Awareness Week at Penrhyn Road.

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Author of this article: Laura Miller

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