Don’t dump our grit bins

Airdrie’s MP is calling for North Lanarkshire Council to reverse its decision to reduce the number of grit bins and is asking for a review of its winter services following the recent spell of icy weather.

Neil Gray says he received“numerous” complaints about the condition of roads and pavements and has written to council chief executive Des Murray to highlight concerns.

He is asking for gritter routes to be reviewed, and grit bins to be kept filled and new ones supplied.

Council officials say more than 10,000 tonnes of grit was spread during the recent cold snap; and that salt is available from recycling centres to allow residents to treat streets which are not part of identified gritting routes.

Mr Gray said:“the same issues are raised year after year – lack of roads being gritted and no grit in the bins to name just two.

“This winter, especially with people stuck at home to restrict the spread of Covid, residents are having to walk on treacherous pavements to get what little exercise they are able to do.

“Not only that, but the NHS is stretched dealing with the virus; any additional patients through slips and falls on untreated roads or pavements will only exacerbate an already struggling service.”

He wrote to North Lanarkshire’s chief executive:“the lack of gritting on roads is a major concern of my constituents and, while I understand that not everywhere can be treated, the number of roads left out seems to be increasing year on year.

“Empty grit bins are also causing concern – many understand not all roads can be treated, but the risk of injury through slipping is uppermost in the minds of my elderly constituents and their families so having access to locally-sited grit is imperative.”

Mr Gray added:“i’d urge you to consider reviewing the council’s winter strategy while this latest cold spell is fresh in the minds. There may be a need to redesign gritter routes to ensure greater coverage and economy of resources, ensure all grit bins are refilled on a regular basis, and supply additional bins.

“I understand there was a plan to cut grit bins by 20 per cent, but given the problems during this period of cold weather, I would suggest that plan should be scrapped.”

A council spokesperson said:“during this very cold period, our gritting fleet has been at full capacity to treat prioritised primary and secondary roads and footpaths and to date we have spread over 10,000 tonnes of grit.

“Our gritting follows the winter service policy, which is in line with national guidelines, as well as health and safety measures to minimise transmission of coronavirus.

“We are also supporting the NHS and Scottish Government to ensure safe supply routes for vaccinations, medical supplies, testing centres and hospitals as well as cemetery access.”

Councillors decided to reduce the number of grit bins by 20 per cent as a cost-cutting measure last year to save £44,000.

The spokesperson added:“as part of the budget setting process for 2020-21, the council decided to reduce the number by 20 per cent; a new process has also been agreed to assess new requests for grit bins.

“Bins will be removed in areas where there are more than required and when they are empty – this process will not start until after this winter.

“As is common with most local authorities, we do not routinely treat most residential streets or pavements; salt bins are provided in key locations and salt can be collected from recycling centres to allow residents to treat streets and pavements.”