Grit bin success for Westbury Leigh after winter of worries

A new grit bin will be installed in Westbury Leigh to ease anxieties about a ‘really dangerous’ road following a campaign by local residents.

Residents on Leigh Close in Westbury Leigh used to dread the arrival of snow or ice. Their steep road routinely became ‘impassable’ and ‘very treacherous’ amid extreme winter weather. Wiltshire Council do not place any new salt bins in Wiltshire, the responsibility instead lies with town and parish councils.

At a meeting of Westbury Town Council’s Management of Services Committee on 10th February Leigh Close resident Cathy Galpin, who has lived on the street since 1996, and her sister-in-law Josie, who has lived there since the houses were built in 1960, pleaded with councillors for a grit bin.

Cathy explained, “We have very elderly neighbours there along with able-bodied and we all look after each other. One neighbour, who is 103, has four carers a day come in. We have other neighbours who have carers as well.

“Our concern is when we reach winter and we get these terrible snowy, icy, conditions which makes the road horrendous. Also, right down at the corner of Leigh Road is a very blind bend. If you slip out of there it’s really dangerous. We have neighbours who are willing to clear the roads, but what we need is a grit bin at the top. We would just like to know if you could possibly help us by putting a yellow bin at the box so we can all help each other and be safe.”

In response to Cathy’s impassioned plea for help, Westbury Town councillors agreed her road was ‘very steep’ and that it would be ‘very beneficial’ to place a bin on Leigh Close. Steps are now being taken to explore where it could be placed.

After the meeting, Cathy whizzed home to Leigh Close and knocked on the door of all her neighbours to spread the good news. People on the street are “delighted” at the solution found.

Cathy added, “I felt really comfortable talking in front of the councillors, it was a really lovely audience and I was glad I was able to get my point across. I am elated that they were so receptive. I got home and did have a little glass of wine to celebrate. We are all very grateful to the town council for listening.”

To help residents report issues like the above, Westbury Town Council have an online reporting app ‘MyWestbury’ which is currently available for Android devices. The town council hope to have the app available on iOS as soon as possible.

You can also email: info@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk, phone 01373 822232 or visit the team at the town council offices at The Laverton.

Pictured below: Residents of Leigh Close say winters will be made far safer with the new grit bin

Pictured below: Leigh Close in Westbury Leigh