Residents across Bolton are raising serious concerns for safety as it has been revealed that Bolton Council are consulting on the removal of grit provision across the borough. Grit bins are located on residential streets, many of which are steep, and none receive gritting from specialist vehicles.
This weekend, the Met Office has issued two Amber weather warnings with severe disruption being caused to transport links around the North West. This has seen road, rail, and air be affected.
Bolton Labour’s plans to stop supplying grit for grit bins will risk the lives and injury of many residents who will no longer be able to safely leave their home. The topography of Bolton means many homes are built on hills and the council provided grit offers the only lifeline for thousands of residents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. Maintaining access for careers is vital.
It has been acknowledged that the council needs to make savings of £25m over the next two years. However, measures to remove grit from grit bins would only raise a measly £40k, which equates to 0.16% of the savings required. This tiny saving could have a significant impact on the safety of residents.
Shadow Executive Cabinet Member for Transport, Housing and Highways, Cllr Toby Hewitt, said;
“I am deeply worried by Bolton Labour’s plans to remove the grit provision for residential streets. I represent a ward, Astley Bridge, that is very hilly, and I know that the grit provided is a lifeline for so many residents, allowing them to get to work and do their shopping.
“The savings this cut will achieve works out to less than a quarter of a percent of what is required over the next two years. The way the council is prepared to gamble with the lives of residents and likely injuries over such a paltry amount is very concerning. This weekend’s weather shows how dangerous a decision this cut could be.”
