Plans to reduce grit bin provisions across Renfrewshire this winter have been amended.
The local authority's winter maintenance and severe weather plan was taken to the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board (ILE) on May 21, noting that a review of all grit bins would be conducted during 2025 / 2026 with the view of reprovisioning, through the number of smaller grit bins with an increase in the number of larger community grit bins.
As part of the proposals put forward, the number of grit bins in Lochwinnoch and Kilbarchan would have been reduced by over 50 per cent, while there would have been a reduction of over a third in Howwood.
However, it was confirmed at the most recent ILE meeting that council officers would now bring back a report to the next meeting on January 26 next year, following the conclusion of the 2025/26 grit bin review and consider proposals and the outcomes of the review.
The grit bins plans will now be consulted on, and any proposals will be voted on at the end of winter, meaning current procedures will remain in place.
READ MORE: Locals slam speeding drivers on busy Howwood route
Councillor Gillian Graham, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, called the move a "victory for common sense".
She said: "I welcome the change to the council’s original proposals to dramatically reduce the number of grit bins, particularly in our villages such as Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch in Ward 9.
"I’ve received hundreds of comments and concerns from villagers about the plans, which were presented to me, and to residents as a done deal.
"Public safety must be a priority, and the council was proposing to reduce the residential grit bins in Ward 9 by over half.
"These are the smaller bins located in residential areas allowing villagers to grit their pavements and roads to get to work, or take their child to school, or just get to a shop.
"These roads are not on the gritting route, and many are steep or undulating and the bins are essential.
"In addition, villagers were being expected to refill the smaller grit bins themselves! Imagine it, residents of all ages having to wheel a barrow along icy streets to a large community bin who knows where.
"In my view this is unacceptable and potentially dangerous.
"I am very pleased that common sense has prevailed, and there will no changes to the grit bins this winter.
"People power won the day, and the council could not and should not ignore the views of local taxpayers."
READ MORE: Health chiefs confirm ward will close at Paisley hospital this month
Some residents had previously raised safety concerns about potentially reducing the number of grit bins.
These sentiments were echoed by Councillor Chris Gilmour.
He added: "I am pleased the administration listen to the voices of local people and amended their plans to reduce grit bin provision at the ILE Board.
"I have also suggested officers investigate the use of a Whatsapp page in relation to communicating the weather conditions.
"This would I believe be helpful as it’s more effective to apply grit before the temperature drops to a certain level.
"A Whatsapp page would provide advance warning of frosty conditions to members of the public who wished to apply grit to their area, or simply wish to have a raised awareness about the local weather conditions.
"Whatsapp has very wide reach and I hope that the council support this proposal and instruct officers investigate."
Share