Political pressure is intensifying on Dudley Council to reverse a controversial cost-cutting measure that saw hundreds of grit bins removed from streets across the borough.
Public outcry prompts political action
The recent prolonged spell of freezing weather has triggered a wave of complaints from residents and community leaders, who report that many roads and footpaths have been left in a hazardous state. In response to this public outcry, Dudley's Labour group has submitted an urgent motion to the local authority. The motion demands an immediate halt to the removal programme and calls for bins to be reinstated in areas where there is a clear community need.
Councillor Shaukat Ali, the deputy leader of the Labour group, stated: "The extent of the problems experienced by residents across the borough makes it absolutely clear that swift action is needed." He emphasised the risks to public safety and criticised the Conservative-led council's decision, which his group opposed from the start.
Council's winter maintenance policy under fire
The council's winter maintenance review, carried out in May 2025, led to the planned removal of approximately 500 grit bins. A further 600 bins that remained in place were not to be refilled during the winter season. The authority stated that removals were based on a usage and risk basis, focusing on locations on or near established gritting routes.
Despite the reduction in bins, the council maintains significant winter resources. It operates eight gritting trucks and two four-by-four vehicles for smaller roads, holds 6,500 tonnes of salt in stock, and prioritises gritting nearly 500 kilometres of key routes. These include bus routes, town centres, hospital entrances, and roads past school front entrances.
Council leader pledges review amid criticism
Following the backlash during the early January 2026 freeze, the leader of Dudley Council, Councillor Patrick Harley, promised a review of the removed bins. "Ones that are being missed because of the cold snap; we will re-establish them," he said. However, he added a caveat: "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."
The Labour motion follows significant criticism on social media. Councillor Steve Edwards of the Black Country Party commented on Facebook, calling the removal a "massive mistake" and highlighting the dangerous condition of ungritted side streets. The political and public pressure now leaves council leaders with a critical decision as the winter weather continues.
