KEIGHLEY Town Council has already gone through 32 tons of grit tackling trouble spots during this season’s snowfalls.

The council filled its 70-plus bins last October in time for the first onslaught before Christmas, and refilled the bins this month in advance of last week’s period of snow and ice.

Cllr Michael Westerman, chairman of the council’s Watch and Transport Committee, said this allowed residents to clear public pavements and roads in important outlying areas.

He said: “Our grit bins are in areas that are not on the Bradford Council gritting routes. We have them from the top of Oakworth to the top of East Morton.”

Locations include steep areas like the ‘Twines’ at Thwaites and the road up to Hainworth Village, along with Glenhurst Drive and Central Avenue in Bracken Bank.

The town council signed a new contract with Bradford Council to provide bins of a standard size, which are filled by the town council’s own contractor. Cllr Westerman said this brought cost savings.

Cllr Westerman said: “We provide the grit bin, it’s up to people living nearby to put the grit down. Spread it thinly – don’t put it on top of snow, clear the snow first then put it down.

“If the paths need gritting just put a shovel in and get to work. Look after your neighbours if they’re elderly and can’t get out.

“The grit is not for people’s private drives – if they do that they are liable for a private prosecution from us because it’s roadside theft.”

Cllr Westerman said the council would refill bins with a Keighley Town Council sticker on them, if householders called 01535 618252.

Residents who want a bin in their area should also get in touch, so they can fill in an official application form.