'Bring back the grit bins' - Fresh anger from Dudley residents as snow falls where 500 grit bins were removed from icy streets
Dudley Council is facing growing criticism over its decision to systematically remove grit bins from roads and streets across the borough.
Following a chilly start to 2026 that has left roads and paths across the West Midlands covered in snow and ice there is growing opposition to a recent Dudley Council decision to remove around 500 grit bins from the area in an attempt to cut costs.
The removal of some grit bins has left areas of Dudley struggling to deal with the winter conditions, leading to criticism from St Thomas' ward councillor and Dudley Labour Group Deputy Leader, Cllr Shaukat Ali to call for an immediate pause to grit bin removals.
“Grit bins are essential when we do get adverse weather such as this," he said. "The council should seriously rethink its policy about removing grit bins. They provide a simple, effective way for residents to respond quickly when conditions turn dangerous.
"The removal of grit bins undermines community resilience and ignores the reality that severe weather, even if less frequent, still poses serious risks when it does occur. Rather than cutting back, the council should be working with residents to ensure grit bins are well-maintained, properly located, and adequately filled when needed.
"The council should pause the removal of grit bins and reconsider its policy that could leave many neighbourhoods exposed during future cold weather events."
