Green campaigners, local residents and a business manager have taken action following that discovery that Allington Ward has just one salt bin for the entire area. Residents expressed concerns after the weekend’s snow and ice turned roads and pavements into skating rinks with buses, bin lorries and local residents alike, trying to navigate treacherous roads and walkways.
Green campaigners have written to KCC officers to request an urgent review of the ward and have set up a petition which attracted over 100 signatures in its first 24 hours. They have also worked with local residents and John Young, the manager of the London Road BP garage who generously donated grit to make a main alleyway safer. Local Greens have welcomed the subsequent promise by a local county councillor to fund more bins in the ward.
Local Green campaigner, Rachel Rodwell: “I live in Allington and know just how difficult and dangerous it is to get around in the snow and ice. I was shocked to find that Allington Ward only had one salt bin, yet in the ward next door there are around 10.
“It feels like Allington has been overlooked. We are putting community pressure on KCC to help. I have written to KCC officers and started a petition. In the meantime we are working with others whenever possible. I am pleased that this pressure has now prompted a local county council to act.”
Local resident Jen Hickey said, “This footpath is a main walking route to our schools, shops, nurseries and library. The ice had become so dangerous for everyone, especially for young children on the school run. As a community, we could have made the path safe days ago if there had been a salt bin anywhere to be found in central Allington. Thank you to all who responded at very short notice.”
Notes:
Online petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/allington-needs-grit/
