Rethink urged on removing vandalised grit bins

REMOVING vandalised grit bins would “punish” law-abiding residents, councillors claim.

Many of Solihull borough’s 267 containers are becoming “eyesores”, proving a target for vandals or being stuffed with general litter and dog waste bags.

There are also growing concerns about the amount of grit- ting salt being stolen for private driveways, following repeated requests to refill the bins last winter.

Despite the raft of problems, members of Solihull Council’s neighbourhood services scrutiny board voiced reservations about taking away the containers which were being abused.

Cllr James Butler (Con, Blythe) said: “I agree that it’s tremendously frustrating when you open a grit bin and it’s full of rubbish.

“Most of the ones around my ward are. It’s incredibly inconsiderate.

“However, I believe that removing them is punishing people for someone else’s crimes really.

“They’re a necessity for road safety and for pavement safety. So it’s a pain that they’re abused, but I think removing them would start a torrent of criticism from law-abiding citizens.”

Cllr Diana Holl-Allen, the scrutiny board’s chair, said it was evident from the discussions that there was a certain “nervousness” about the proposal and asked for these views to be passed on.