Cutbacks in gritting have been agreed.
Kirklees Council will not be buying any more grit bins to add to its stock of 1,450.
However it’s not all losses, Kirklees is introducing a night shift to cover between 10pm and 7am, when key roads particularly on high ground will be gritted. Previously grit crews started work at 5am.
And 27 grit lorries will work on priority routes including busy roads, hospital, bus and key commuting routes.
The number of priority routes remains unchanged but due to ‘route optimisation’ the total mileage will be cut.
The council has 25,000 tonnes of grit stored away in depots in Honley, Denby Dale, Slaithwaite and Batley - enough to cope with a harsh winter.
And, starting on October 13, teams will be filling up grit bins so people can help to clear ice and snow in their own areas.
Clr Steve Hall, Cabinet member for Highways, said: “We are not buying any more grit bins, but ward councillors can move them in their wards if they want.
“One question is there are numerous grit bins on priority routes and they need to be identified and put in storage to use elsewhere or for new housing estates.”
Kirklees is confident it can respond to a harsh winter with the help and support of the community.
Clr Hall added: “In previous severe winters, the help and support of volunteers, including farmers and community groups, has complemented the service offered by the council.
“This teamwork will be in evidence once again this year, if the harsh weather returns to Kirklees.”
The Kirklees Liberal Democrats had asked that developers fund grit bins for new housing, fearing the new policy will leave new-build households without any service.
The council is asking residents to prepare and have snow shovels and grit, make sure their cars are ready for the winter and be ready to help neighbours in the event of snow fall.
