Grit Bin Demand Soars as Residents Face Icy Conditions in Staffordshire

Lots of people asked for grit bins recently. This happened in the Staffordshire Moorlands, an area that experienced bad ice earlier this year. The icy weather even closed the Leek market one day.

A councillor, Charlotte Atkins, questioned the county’s response and worried about icy walkways being dangerous. Another councillor, Nigel Yates, mentioned Biddulph’s problems and wanted details on grit bin requests.

The council shared information about the requests. Staffordshire Moorlands had the most requests in 2024, asking for 50 new grit bins or piles, but only four requests were approved. Newcastle Borough had 32 requests for grit, and Stafford Borough requested 26.

Lichfield District had no requests for grit. Cannock Chase’s four requests were all denied.

The council said they assess requests when they can, and approved grit bins get filled before winter. Councillor Yates said requests show people need help because some Biddulph residents were stuck at home during ice.

Yates suggested using bulk bags of salt during bad ice because he thinks they could help avoid problems, noting he does not prefer grit bins because people sometimes misuse or damage them.

Councillor Mark Deaville thanked staff for their work and approved refilling grit bins. He praised farmers who use snow ploughs and said the community helps a lot with grit bins, adding that he will consider bulk salt bags with officers.