MP criticises Dudley's lack of grit in parliament as Srorm Goretti hits West Midlands

Dudley MP Sonia Kumar said she had been inundated with complaints from residents about the council's decision cut the number of grit bins across the  borough.

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Last year the council announced plans to cut the number of grit bins across the borough by 500, to save the authority £60,000, and concerns have been raised that a number of grit bins have not been filled during the present cold snap.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, has since said he would look at reinstating some of the bins - but added that there was little point in filling bins that nobody used.

Miss Kumar said the decision had left thousands of residents facing dangerous winter conditions with inadequate support.

During a transport debate in the House of Commons yesterday, she called on transport ministers to 'hold Dudley Council to account' and ensure Dudley's roads were safe all year round.

She said: “As temperatures have plummeted across the country this week, road conditions have deteriorated. Sadly, the Conservative council in Dudley removed 500 grit bins before the winter, creating dangerous conditions for all and making day-to-day errands simply impossible."

She claimed that when the issue was raised with the council, it was suggested that drivers should consider fitting winter tyres.

"The council also stated that side roads are “not a priority” and that motorists should simply slow down," she saidl.

"Grit bins weren’t a luxury, they were a commonsense safety measure. They helped residents keep pavements, side roads and hills safe, especially older residents, families, schools, carers and key workers. 

"People want basic winter safety, not advice that prices them off the road.” 

Miss Kumar backed a motion by the council's opposition Labour group in December calling for the immediate reinstatement of grit bins across the borough. 

Councillor Shaukat Ali, who has tabled the motion, said: “The recent cold snap and snowfall have exposed the Conservative-led council’s failure to appreciate the vital role grit bins play in keeping people safe.

"Residents across the borough rely on them in severe weather, and many have been affected and are understandably angry. "

Councillor Harley has pledged to revisit decisions made in a review of winter maintenance agreed in the last budget to save £60,000.

“Ones that are being missed because of the cold snap; we will re-establish them," he said.

“If we need to put some back clearly we will, we will have a full review but it is pointless to reinstate bins that are never used.”