Criticism over grit bin levels across city

Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield insisted the authority will make "every effort" to ensure grit bins are well stocked amid the ongoing cold weather.

Peatfield said in a recent radio interview that bins in the city had been topped up in anticipation of Storm Goretti.

However, complaints had been made by residents following the interview over grit bin levels - of which there are about 120 in the city.

The BBC checked 15 bins in different areas of the city and found six were full, two listed on the authority's interactive map were not there, while others contained rubbish.

One bin checked in Sutton Avenue, Chellaston, was empty, while another bin nearby was half-empty.

Meanwhile, grit bins that were on the council's dedicated map - one in Littleover and another in Alvaston - no longer existed.

One woman who worked in Brighton Road, Alvaston, where the grit bin was supposed to be, said she had "never seen one" after 26 years in the area.

Marilyn Ellison, 74, was filling up a bucket of grit to use on her road as her nearest grit bin in Chellaston did not have any in.

"I thought I need to get prepared for the forecast of snow and the last lot we had last week, I couldn't get off the slip road where I live," she said.

"It was very hard so I thought I'd walk down and get some. The nearest one is on Sutton Road but it is totally empty.

"I have no idea when it was last refilled."

Conservative group leader Steve Hassall claimed grit bin levels in the city did not match the leader's assessment.

"[The council leader] said that the grit bins have been topped up as a throwaway comment and it is simply not true," he said.

"The council and the leader has not done what they should have done and said. They should be grown-up enough to admit that - frankly the public deserve an apology for these failings."

In a statement, Peatfield said: "In response to the ongoing freezing temperatures, our teams are working around the clock to keep our roads clear and the city safe and moving.

"We are making every effort to keep local grit bins well-stocked during this period.

"We appreciate residents' patience as we work to refill the bins as quickly as capacity allows."

She added people could request a grit bin refill by emailing [email protected] or calling Streetpride on 0333 200 698.

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