After the freezing temperatures of the last weeks, Councillor Aude Boubaker-Calder, Liberal Democrat’s councillor for Dunfermline Central, is calling the Council to revise their failing grit bins policy. 

A number of grit bins were removed a few years ago which was opposed by the Fife Liberal Democrat group.

She said:

“I have been swarmed by messages, calls and emails by constituents in Dunfermline and Crossford either without direct access of grit bins or worrying for elderly and disabled neighbours stranded in their house because of the icy state of the pavements in residential areas.

“Vulnerable people are not able to get out or get to the shops for essentials or to doctors appointments without fearing to slip and hurt themselves. This is a real concern.

“I have been suprised and shocked to hear to receive the answer from the council that they have a “sustainable number of grit bins” and there is no plan to increase them despite the failure of the grit bins removal policy of the last few winters. 

“I understand the pressure of gritting the main roads, it has left the pavements of residential areas to residents to deal with. Although without easy access to grit bins, at either side of slopes or at crossing of streets within short walking distance, it is really difficult for residents, and especially for elderly members of our community, to deal with many treacherous pavements. 

“In addition of stranded vulnerable people, it will result of an increase pressure on our already overwhelmed NHS minor injuries and A&E.

“I am calling the Council to review this cost cutting exercise they have done the past few years and reconsider putting more grit bins in places the Council is not prioritising for gritting. 

“At the same time, I am also calling on the Scottish Government stopping their divisive argument on independence and instead invest in local government funding so people in Scotland could have better local services provided by their local council.