Council confirms removal of grit bins as part of agreed budget savings
Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed the forthcoming removal of around 1,200 grit bins from communities across the region as part of its agreed budget savings.
The decision, approved at Full Council back in February, comes amid continuing financial pressures facing the local authority and forms part of wider efforts to maintain statutory services while delivering essential savings.
Following a detailed review of all grit bins positions within Aberdeenshire, those which do not meet the current assessment criteria will now be removed over the coming weeks to ensure those that remain are at locations with the highest need.
Bins will be removed in areas where street gradients aren’t particularly steep or where there are alternative bins nearby. A map of grit bins is available here: https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiYTc4NDAzODMtOGFlYS00ZmQwLTliNTItOWFlZDJkODFlNDE4IiwidCI6ImZlZDk5MzA2LTRkMmQtNDQwOS05NTlkLWQwZWRiNzMwNGEwYiJ9&pageName=df9dc46855a2a61082e4
There are currently more than 2,100 grit bins on adopted roads – 60% of which do not meet the existing criteria – and by withdrawing these bins the council will make a saving of around £380,000 this financial year.
Philip McKay, Head of Roads and Infrastructure at Aberdeenshire Council, said: “Over a number of years, grit bins have been provided which would not meet our current criteria and the refilling is causing a significant financial burden on our budget.
“The removal of these grit bins supports the council’s agreed savings and ensures our winter maintenance efforts remain targeted and efficient in what continues to be a very challenging financial climate. We fully appreciate that this will be disappointing for some residents, however we must prioritise resources where they are most needed.
“Our teams will begin removing bins shortly, with the aim of completing this before the winter season begins and, to maximise the efficiency of our teams, we plan to carry out the bin removals alongside the preparatory work for the impending 20mph rollout, minimising the need to revisit locations.
"Throughout this process, I would like to encourage everyone to treat our staff with the utmost respect as they diligently carry out their duties.”
The council’s winter maintenance plan will continue to focus on priority routes and locations which meet the service criteria.
Aberdeenshire Council also actively supports members of the local community who wish to clear snow from publicly-adopted footways and footpaths. Groups of volunteers are invited to join the Snow Warden Scheme where they can assist with the clearing of snow within an area of their local community whether that be a footway/footpath along a street, a cul-de-sac, several streets or a housing estate.
This scheme has been invaluable during recent winters, with the season usually running from November 1 until March 31. More information at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/roads/winter-maintenance