Oliver Ryan MP has criticised the way Reform UK is running Lancashire County Council after visiting the scene of a crash on Southfield / Robin House Lane where a nearby grit bin had been left empty.
Southfield Lane was closed after a car skidded on ice and crashed. A grit bin was located just a short distance away – but contained no grit.
Unrealistically high expectations?
Under Reform UK’s control, Lancashire County Council has reduced grit bin refills from twice a year to just once, with bins now only filled in September with no winter top-ups.
The council’s own internal documents acknowledge they cannot guarantee keeping grit bins supplied, describing public expectations as “unrealistically high”.
This comes at the same time as Reform plan on a 5% rise in council tax and the council’s overall budget increasing by 27% by 2029.
Oliver Ryan MP said:
This isn’t just unfortunate timing or bad weather – it’s a political decision made by Reform UK in Preston.
A driver has crashed on an icy road while a grit bin a few metres away was sitting empty. That’s not acceptable.
At the same time as people are being asked to pay more council tax, Reform are cutting back services that are there to keep people safe. They’re gambling with residents safety.
Twice a year refills were changed to once a year
Mr Ryan MP says:
Lancashire used to refill these bins twice a year. Now it’s once, with no winter back-up. That tells you everything about their priorities.
More tax, worse services, and corners being cut. Reform UK’s record at the county council is quickly becoming a serious concern for residents.
Oliver Ryan MP has called on Reform UK to urgently reverse the policy and restore proper winter grit bin refilling across Lancashire.
This is a simple, practical decision. They should reverse this policy and fill the grit bins.
This article is based on a press release from the office of Oliver Ryan, member of parliament for Burnley.
Friends of Bylines Network
There has never been a greater need for grassroots journalism that investigates the stories that really matter, holds power to account and champions the voices of everyday citizens. We are proudly powered by volunteers but what we do isn’t free.
STAND WITH US for independent, citizen-led journalism that makes democracy stronger, and you will even get some exclusive benefits.
