Bolton Council has decided to keep filling over 500 grit bins after reversing budget cuts. This decision comes after community feedback highlighted concerns about the proposed cuts.
Bolton: The council has decided to keep filling over 500 grit bins. They had planned to cut this service, but community feedback changed their minds.
Other cuts were also dropped, like reducing environmental health officers. They’re even looking to boost street cleaning and waste removal services.
They found extra funds to support green groups and volunteers too. Plus, they’re reviewing a proposal for parking charges on council land.
If approved, this could save over £430,000 in cuts. The council’s financial situation improved thanks to a better government settlement than expected.
They plan to use most of this funding for rising social care costs. They’re also considering using some for children’s social care.
Despite the good news, challenges remain. The council still needs to save £7.8 million, down from £8.2 million.
Bolton Council leader, Coun Nick Peel, welcomed the extra funding. He acknowledged the pressure from rising demand for services.
Peel said they listened to community concerns about the cuts. He’s pleased that many of these cuts could be avoided.
There are about 500 grit bins across Bolton. They’re checked yearly and refilled before winter.
Damaged bins are replaced, and they’re placed in areas that need them. These include sharp bends and steep hills.
A council spokesman mentioned that bins will be refilled during bad weather. However, if bins are misused or vandalized, they might be removed.
