Dear Bellman
The decision by the ruling Tory/Lib Dem group on Aberdeenshire Council to remove 1200 grit bins from communities across the region must rank as one of the most irresponsible ever to have been made by any local authority in Scotland.
Residents of the Shire know that throughout the winter months the pavements and paths within our rural towns and villages can become very icy and the danger of slipping and then falling on them is real. I speak from personal experience on this matter having sustained a fractured elbow in such circumstances a few years ago.
The removal of the grit bins increases the risk factor several fold and will place many people, particularly our senior citizens, in danger of severe injury. The reason given by the council for this decision was ‘cost saving’.
When the Shire’s budget was being discussed the ruling group was presented with a series of revenue generating suggestions by the opposition led SNP group which would have helped to avoid decisions such as the removal of grit bins. For reasons which can best be described as ‘narrow partisanship’ the majority Tory/Lib Dem group declined to accept those positive suggestions from the SNP and this has now led to a highly dangerous and irresponsible proposal. The inevitable consequence of it will be felt (quite literally) on the pavements of the Shire by some poor souls during this coming winter.
Yours faithfully
Jim Finlayson