Leader promises “full review” of winter maintenance
A full review of Dudley Council’s winter maintenance programme – including the use of grit bins – is to be carried out, the leader of the authority said today.
Councillor Patrick Harley was speaking ahead of a meeting of the council’s cabinet tomorrow (Thu) in which the proposal is expected to be rubber stamped.
Earlier this month council bosses agreed to refill grit bins on demand, with residents able to make requests online or by calling Dudley Council Plus. The authority has also committed to removing no further grit bins until the review is complete.
It will look at grit bin usage, locations and the protocols around refilling.
It will also include an assessment of primary and secondary gritting routes, and a review of winter maintenance equipment and stock.
The probe will also look at communications and analyse feedback from residents.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:
“We are fully aware of the strength of feeling around this, and that is why we have ordered a full review of the winter maintenance service to see how we can improve moving forwards.
“As part of that review we want to hear from residents and businesses what they think, and that will factor into any final decisions we make.
“In the meantime we will be reviewing requests to refill grit bins, and no further bins will be removed from the network until the review is complete.
“We will continue to provide targeting gritting when necessary on major roads and around schools and healthcare facilities.”
The cabinet meeting takes place at 4pm tomorrow (Thu) in Committee Room 2 at Dudley Council House in Priory Road. Members of the public are welcome to attend.