Police praise Dorset residents for support during the snow

Dorset police in action during the snowfall. Picture: DORSET POLICE (Image: Archant)

Towns and villages in West Dorset, and across the county, have been praised by police for their support during the blizzards.

Its determined officers and staff have been going the extra mile to keep everyone safe and are keen to thank the community for its help.

Dorset Police has been working closely alongside partner agencies such as local councils, NHS, fire and rescue, as well as volunteers like Wessex 4x4 and the public, to try and keep Dorset moving over the last few days.

Chief Superintendent Ben Hargreaves said: “It has been a testing few days and I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding. The conditions have been horrendous, particularly on Thursday afternoon through to Friday, but we have been working very closely with all our partner agencies to try and keep everyone as safe as possible.

“We would also like to thank the community for pulling together, helping one another and really showing a great spirit following such a difficult period. We know people have been volunteering their own time to check on the welfare of neighbours, help those stuck in their cars in the snow and using their own 4x4 vehicles to take essential staff such as police offices, doctors and nurses to and from work.

“I want to also thank our amazing officers and staff who have been going above and beyond their duty. Many of whom have walked to their local station through the snow and who have stayed on late and even overnight until colleagues have relieved them from duty.”

“As well as responding to emergencies, the neighbourhood policing teams are still out in communities speaking to people, offering advice and reassuring the public. Most are on foot, although specialist vehicles are being used, particularly in the very rural areas in the north and west of the county.”