Now families are asked to grit their own pavements
Council should do job itself, say critics
But now one local authority has hit upon a way to keep its pavements clear – get residents to do their own gritting.
Perth and Kinross Council says it is hoping to enlist volunteers who will be handed their own push-along gritter and given training in how to use it along with, naturally, a hi-viz bib.
The local authority – which has to make cuts of £18.6million next year – claims the initiative will allow communities to be well prepared for winter. But critics say the council is asking residents to perform ‘ a basic function of local authorities’.
Taxpayers’ All i ance c hi e f executive John O’Connell said: ‘They will be wondering why their council can’t provide this service without relying on people to give up their time.
‘Providing training for a service it already does starts a dangerous precedent for duplicating work and encouraging a poor use of taxpayers’ money.’
The Highlands are often the worst hit when the weather turns wintry and council chiefs have for years supplied snow ploughs to farmers to help them keep roads open.
But now Perth and Kinross – run by a coalition of Tories, Lib Dems and independents – wants more residents to be self-sufficient.
While council employees continue to focus on keeping clear major routes and busy streets, volunteers will r eceive t he equipment needed to grit pavements and footpaths in areas of ‘low footfall’.
Unveiling the scheme earlier this week, council leader Ian Campbell said: ‘We are willing to take an innovative approach. I would ask our residents to consider volunteering to help with the push- along spreaders, which are newly available.
‘ The responsibility for the roads and footpath network is huge and any assistance that can be provided is always welcomed.’
A spokesman confirmed that residents would not be set timetables or expected to grit in severe weather. He said locals would be providing ‘additional help’ rather than replacing council staff.
Murdo Fraser, Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, said: ‘Encouraging people to become active in their local communities should be seen as a positive thing, especially at a time when local government budgets are being squeezed. I’m sure there will be an
‘Any assistance is always welcomed’
enthusiastic response from a large number of civic- minded l ocal residents.
‘And, after all, this initiative is similar to what is already commonplace in many other countries in wintertime.’
In Germany, homeowners are legally obliged to keep pavements outside their properties free from snow. And, in Canada, the city of Vancouver demands, in addition, that residents get the job done by 10am.
Experts have predicted a harsh winter ahead and the Met Office is warning of colder than normal temperatures for early next month as a spell of high pressure looks set to settle over Scotland.