Hastings MP "deeply concerned" elderly residents are "trapped in homes" due to lack of road gritting
The MP says the lack of available grit bins leaves vulnerable residents at risk
Helena Dollimore, Labour MP for Hastings and Rye, has urged East Sussex County Council to reconsider its approach to winter weather responses, raising concerns about the availability of grit bins and road gritting.
The MP claims the council’s refusal to fully support local communities during icy conditions is putting vulnerable residents at risk.
She highlighted the hilly terrain in Hastings, Rye, and surrounding villages as particularly dangerous during freezing weather.
Dollimore has written a letter to the council outlining her worries about elderly and vulnerable residents being 'trapped at home' due to untreated icy roads.
“While I understand the Council is prioritising gritting the busiest roads, it is inconceivable that grit bins aren’t readily available for individuals to make their areas safe,” Dollimore said.
According to Dollymore, some residents have reported that the council has removed existing grit bins, including those near schools and bus stops.
We're told she has sought clarity on these actions amidst ongoing icy conditions.
Despite receiving over £106 million from the Labour Government to support essential services, Dollimore has criticised the Conservative-managed council for shifting the costs of grit bins onto local communities.
In response, East Sussex Highways defended its winter strategy, highlighting that gritters have been treating priority roads at least twice daily since the start of the year.
They say secondary routes were additionally gritted during the extreme temperatures between 3rd and 6th January.
A spokesperson for the highway service stated that there are 900 council-owned grit bins across East Sussex, all of which are checked and refilled before winter.
The spokesperson added that updates about gritting schedules can be found on the East Sussex Highways website and social media channels.