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Snow Clearing Equipment

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Ellon Community Campus was thrown into chaos last winter, when a combination of snow and freezing temperatures hit during the month of December. Ellon Academy Parent Council are putting together a plan to enable the campus janitors to quickly deal with future severe weather.

What's the problem?
Ellon Community Campus is home to Ellon Academy, Ellon Swimming Pool and Ellon Community Centre which sees thousands of pupils, staff and members of public use their facilities on a daily basis.

Aberdeenshire Council employ 8 janitors to look after 12 schools across the Ellon network/area, including the community campus in Ellon. It is their responsibility to keep all of these properties clear of snow and paths gritted.
 
The old school only needed one car park cleared, and pathways round the school.  The new campus is probably around 3 times the footprint as it includes separate vehicle areas for school drop-off, buses, staff, visitors and community, in addition to the various walkways, doors and emergency exits that also need cleared. As a result their current equipment is no longer fit for purpose and is over 15 years old.


During the month of December 2017, there were a number of days where there was concern for both pupils' and public's health and safety whilst using the Campus. The entrance road and car park were extremely hazardous to negotiate by both foot and car, and the paths in and around the campus were rendered completely unusable due to the compacted ice. 

The Parent Council and some local residents eventually managed to remove the build up of ice, but it took some considerable effort from a number of volunteers.   It was an extremely laborious and time-consuming task.

This year, we would like to be more pro-active, and get the snow cleared and paths gritted before it has time to freeze.   Sadly, the school has no budget to purchase the necessary equipment due to ongoing austerity measures.

The Solution
The Ellon Academy Parent Council consulted with Rector Pauline Buchan (and other key members of staff), to come up with a plan to raise enough money to replace the old snow clearing equipment.

With the help of an Aberdeenshire based business, we have identified 3 key pieces of equipment to be purchased.

Arctic Cat 400 ATV
This model is powered by a 4-valve, air and oil-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 366cc engine. The Alterra 400 comes standard with a 4-speed automatic and CVT transmission featuring an automatic clutch.

Arctic Cat Snow Plough Kit
- 1.5 m blade
- Break back system
- Replaceable rubber wearing strip

Everest Towable Gritter
The  Everest tow behind gritter fits on a standard tow ball hitch. It is operated by the road wheels with the power transmitted through a tough enclosed gearbox which operates the Stainless Steel Spinner.  This towable gritter is suitable for spreading all salt types including rock salt. It is fitted with a large stainless steel auger which runs around the inside of the hopper breaking up any damp or 'bridged' salt/grit.





Arctic Cat 400 - £5100.00
Arctic Snow Plough Kit - £751.00
Everest Plus Towable Gritter 250kg- £1794.00
Equipment Servicing for 3 years  - £450.00
Delivery - £192.00

Total incl. VAT £8287.00

This new equipment will last for years to come, and will help keep the Campus safe for all to use at all times.

For more information or to make offline donations, please get in touch at [email redacted]

Organizer

Simon Ruddy
Organizer

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