Campaigners in Dudley are rallying against the council’s decision to remove approximately 500 grit bins across the borough, a move aimed at reducing expenses following a review conducted in May 2025. The bins being taken away are typically those near main road gritting routes or locations deemed unnecessary by the council.
Critics warn that the removal could jeopardize safety, particularly on steep hills where icy conditions pose significant risks. Dudley Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Tromans expressed strong opposition, stating, “This decision reflects a shortsighted approach that values cost over community safety. With unpredictable weather, having grit bins available on steep roads is essential.”
In response, Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, explained that the review revealed nearly 25% of residential grit bins went unused. He emphasized that the council’s focus remains on prioritizing the main road network for gritting, with over 700 bins still in place. Phipps also highlighted new gritting equipment recently introduced to improve access to narrow streets, which will expand the council’s coverage and reduce the need for residents to grit roads themselves.
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Local campaigners, including grit bin watchers Lois Bramall and David Sheppard, have publicized concerns, particularly in areas like Wolverley Avenue where residents were surprised by unannounced bin removals. A petition hosted by Dudley, Stourbridge, and Halesowen Liberal Democrats labels the council’s decision as “foolish” and calls for reinstatement of the bins.
The issue was also debated at the December full council meeting, where borough leader Councillor Patrick Harley defended the policy. Harley noted that some bins contained grit untouched for five years, describing their upkeep as “pouring money down the drain.”
As winter approaches, the debate underscores the tension between fiscal responsibility and ensuring community safety in the face of unpredictable weather.