Show us some grit! Concern over lack of gritters in the Highlands
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Concerns have been raised at a lack of gritting in the Inverness area several days into a period of wintry weather.
As people across the Highlands contend with the impact of snow and ice, many roads and pavements in several parts of the city were still causing alarm yesterday.
Dozens of people highlighted problems to the Courier throughout the area, including in Hilton, Cradlehall, Dalneigh, Slackbuie and Milton of Leys.
We received several responses to our online coverage. Brian Macpherson said: “They coped better years ago when the winters were colder. Now, generally when winters are warmer, when we do get a cold spell they don’t have the staff/resources to cope.”
Erynn Nicol said: “Gritters have to keep main roads clear and it’s frustrating that people who are able and have access to grit bins in their area don’t go out and help grit near where they live.
“If everyone who was able to in communities did their bit, then roads would be clearer, paths etc.
“Fact is there isn’t enough resource to get everywhere done and a bit of community spirit goes a long way.
“Growing up, our community all chipped in and we managed by looking out for each other.
“No point complaining as there isn’t the budget for gritters 24/7 in every area and sometimes they get stuck too so the roads need to be gritted on foot.”
Earlier this week, Highland Council urged everyone to take extra care due to wintry conditions. It has a priority list for gritting operations with staff working from 6am-9pm each day.
But people are still being faced with disruption across the area and some feel like they are trapped in their own home.
Dr Ian McNamara, the chairman of Highland Senior Citizens Network, said: “I suppose the gritting is notable by its absence and previously we’ve seen far more gritting. I think it’s pretty poor really.”
He said that older residents should think carefully about going out if it was very icy. He added: “If you don’t feel safe, it is better not to go out.”
Inverness South councillor Duncan Macpherson visited Milton of Leys earlier this week. “I was glad I had my four-wheel drive vehicle,” he said. “People in Milton of Leys are getting a raw deal.
“If you are going to build houses above the snow line are you going to build a snow plough station there? If not, you are doing people a disservice.”
Cllr Macpherson said that gritting in Inverness did not have enough resources, adding: “Without a doubt more needs to be done. That’s not to say that they aren’t doing their best however.”
He said the public expected a better service than they were getting and there should be more “joined-up thinking” by the council alongside other agencies such as BEAR Scotland, which handles trunk roads.
The council’s economy and infrastructure committee chairman Ken Gowans described weather conditions as very challenging across the region due to elevation, terrain and geography.
“Gritting is a dangerous and very stressful job,” he said. “The team gets up way before most of us do to make it to the depot and manoeuvring a 20-ton vehicle on untreated roads is both scary and demanding.
“With the added pressure of communities all looking for a gritter at the same time makes it tougher, but our crews are dedicated and we all owe them a debt of gratitude.
“I have been very grateful for the praise, patience and support the winter maintenance team have had across social media, for what is all too often a thankless task.
“Sadly, there is a small vocal minority of the public who think it is acceptable to make negative comments about gritting performance about the same crews they are looking to for help.”
Councillor Gowans said there were grit bins located around the area which were replenished on a regular basis – even in times of high demand.
He added: “Some have been emptied several times a day. However, people can help by gritting their own street or just by giving a friendly wave or a toot to the gritter crews, it can give them a real boost.
“Gritters will get to every road in due course.
“In lower temperatures the salt will be much less effective and roads can quickly become covered again. I would ask everyone to consider if their journey is necessary and to make sure they have appropriate tyres with good depth of tread to tackle the icy conditions.”
A Highland Council spokesman said: “Roads and streets in Inverness are being gritted. We cannot treat all of Highland’s roads. We have the largest road network of any Scottish local authority.
“In terms of winter maintenance (gritting and snow clearance) we must follow a priority scheme. The timing and extent of treatment will depend on whether or not people’s houses are located on a primary or secondary route.
“This is clearly set out in the council’s winter maintenance policy.”
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