EXTRA grit bins are to be installed in Rossendale as highways chiefs look to improve the winter maintenance service in the Valley.

On Friday Lancashire County Council’s highways officers were spotted removing a grit bin from Brearley Street, Stacksteads, sparking fears from residents that the winter maintenance service was being scaled down as a result of funding cuts.

But county hall bosses said the bin was just one of 50 receptacles being replaced in the Valley with new-and-improved containers, which have been designed to protect the salt from the elements.

In addition around 30 extra bins were due to be installed in the locations worst hit by last year’s ‘big freeze’.

Jon Berry, a resident in Brearley Street for 10 years, said: “Last year we had no grit. They filled it up once, but then people in the area emptied it and that was it, they couldn’t afford to fill it up again.

“We live on a steep hill and the street is cobbled. There’s a stream at the top and that froze, so the top end of the street was four inches thick with ice.

I slipped and ended up in hospital with five broken ribs and my car got bumped four times – that cost me £1,000.

“I’m pleased to hear about what they’re doing, but it will only be all right putting the new bins in if they’re going to keep filling them up.”

Daniel Herbert, the county’s public realm manager, said: “I’d like to reassure people that we’re currently replacing around 50 damaged grit bins with new ones which will make sure the salt inside isn’t badly affected by the weather and is ready to use on the roads and pavements when people need it.

“After reviewing the winter service earlier this year and listening to people about how we could improve the service, we will in fact be providing around 30 more grit bins around Rossendale in locations where they are particularly needed.”

The county council said the new bins should be in place within the next two weeks.