‘Gritting has improved, but still not quite there’

Snow covered roads in December

The general consensus at a meeting of the full Council held tonight (Wednesday 26 January 2011) is that the gritting of the borough’s roads has improved this winter – but it still isn’t quite there.

In Councillor Colin Lambert’s first report as leader of Rochdale Council, he said: “I took the decision on 22 December to amend the Winter Maintenance Programme and order the gritting of our churches for the Christmas evening services.

“This was achieved by close co-operation between IMPACT, Balfour Beatty and Environmental Management staff, who all worked to deliver this additional service requirement. My thanks and, the thanks of our community to them, for doing what was required.”

Councillor Lambert continued: “We did do better this year, but we must continue the improvement and all comments on the policy which operated this year will be taken into consideration.”

The Leader of the Conservative party in Rochdale, Councillor Ashley Dearnley, thanked Councillor Lambert for this move describing it as “the kind of difference that can be made when determined.”

However Councillor Dearnley did say that the council isn’t “quite there yet” as there is still an issue with grit bins.

This concern was raised later in the meeting by Councillor Jane Gartside who suggested that all the broken bins be taken away and replaced in the autumn ready for the winter – Councillor Lambert confirmed this action will take place.

However, Councillor Liz Thirsk, questioned whether gritting outside the churches was an "abuse of power" - suggesting footpaths outside mosques had not been gritted.

Councillor Lambert clarified that gritting outside other places of worship, including mosques was carried out. He also told the council chamber that the decision to do so was costed.

Councillor Jacqui Beswick praised Councillor Lambert for ensuring Rochdale got more grit supplies – which came from Peru.

In her first report to the Council as Cabinet Member for Partnerships she said: “Strong and decisive leadership enabled us to obtain extra substantial quantities of grit to ensure sufficient stock and initial feedback in the main has been positive.

“All major roads, town centre footpaths, district shopping centres, doctors clinics and medical centres were successfully gritted. In addition, this year we also gritted places of worship and most of the grit bins have been replenished regularly.

“We have improved, but it is still work in progress.”