Following last year’s severe weather, Flintshire County Council is launching a joint initiative with community councils to ensure that local communities have sufficient salt bins on selected housing estates and vulnerable areas with severe bends and steep gradients.
Cllr Tony Sharps, Executive Member for Environment said:
“Flintshire County Council worked hard last year keeping main roads clear – but problems arose from people not being able to get off the housing estates to reach the main roads. This was particularly so in rural areas where some roads became impassable, cutting off villages for days on end. Problems were exacerbated by the theft of salt bins by unscrupulous individuals and the overuse of salt by certain individuals meaning that others had none.
“Lessons have been learnt from last year and this is why we are working with town and community councils to provide a better service for residents. Town and community councils will be asked if they wish to buy additional salt bins – these will be a different colour to distinguish them from yellow Council issue salt bins. There will be a charge for supply and maintenance and they will be filled subject to the availability of salt.”
Councillor Sharps said that this type of joint funding arrangement would become more prominent as the months roll on.
“The Council is having to make unprecedented savings in the next few years but, at the same time, provide our residents with first class services. Town and community councils are as committed to residents’ safety as the County Council is so I am sure that they would welcome this innovative proposal.”
Salt provided in the salt bins is for use on public highways only. People requiring salt for use on their own private property should purchase material ahead of the winter period. Existing salt bins, meeting the Councils criteria, will continue to be maintained and filled by Flintshire County Council.
