Dudley Council is set to review its winter maintenance program following significant public backlash over the removal of approximately 500 grit bins. The decision to eliminate these bins, which many residents viewed as essential for winter safety, was part of the council’s budget proposals for the 2025/26 fiscal year. The ruling Conservative group, with support from the Liberal Democrats, approved the budget, which has since led to widespread criticism.
The controversy erupted during a particularly cold spell when residents expressed anger at the absence of grit bins that had been used to treat icy roads. In response to the backlash, the Liberal Democrats initiated a petition that garnered around 1,000 signatures, urging the council to reconsider its approach. As a result, the council announced a review, acknowledging the need for a reassessment of its winter maintenance strategy.
Prior to an extraordinary council meeting on January 29, 2024, which was prompted by a motion from the Labour party calling for the reinstatement of grit bins, Liberal Democrat Leader Clr Ryan Priest addressed the situation. He admitted, “The budget was passed believing what we were doing was making the service more efficient. What came out of that is a service that for most people in the borough did not exist.” He emphasized that the changes had been excessive and called for the administration to reconsider its decision.
Clr Andrew Tromans, another Liberal Democrat councillor, highlighted that the original budget did not explicitly state the removal of 500 grit bins. Instead, it proposed a review process that would ensure bins were not taken away if they were within 25 meters of a main gritting route. Tromans stated, “Now it’s time to look for solutions; the devil is in the detail.”
During the council meeting, the Liberal Democrats presented Clr Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, with a grit bin filled with leaflets advocating for the restoration of the removed bins. Harley acknowledged the issue, saying, “Sometimes the smallest savings cause you the biggest headaches.” He noted that the council aimed to save £60,000 through the removal but admitted it resulted in significant complications.
The council leader indicated that the review would involve assessing which bins, if any, could be reinstated. He remarked, “Grit bins that have been removed won’t go back if the grit has not been used for three or four years, but grit bins that have been moved that maybe shouldn’t have been removed will be part of the review.” The potential for additional bins in locations that previously lacked them was also discussed, alongside the introduction of modern machinery to enhance winter maintenance efforts.
Labour’s Dudley leader, Clr Adam Aston, criticized the council’s actions, stating, “The politics of removing grit bins took away the ability of the community to look after themselves and keep roads clear that the council doesn’t have the capacity to treat.”
As the council prepares to conduct its review, residents and officials alike await the outcomes that could reshape the community’s winter safety measures.
