Westhoughton councillors raise concern over ungritted areas

They are asking for Alick’s Fold, Higher Southfield, Hollin Acre and Allesley Close, all of which are home to older people’s bungalows, to be included on the list.

This comes after the snow and icy weather which has created icy paths outside the homes of some elderly in this area of the borough.

Councillors said a Bolton at Home spokesperson told them they cannot grit every footpath.
 

Higher Southfield (Image: NQ)

Cllr Neil Maher, who represents Westhoughton South ward, said: “It’s disappointing that older residents, some of them frail, are left being unable to leave their homes, or fearing they might have a fall.

“We know budgets are tight but we shouldn’t compromise the safety of our oldest residents.”

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Cllr Deirdre McGeown, who represents Westhoughton North and Hunger Hill ward, added: “We’ve had many families contacting us during the recent wintry weather, quite rightly concerned for their loved ones.

“So, to say we are less than thrilled by this response from Bolton at Home would be an understatement.”

A spokesperson for Bolton at Home said: “We carry out gritting at 20 priority sites on our estates that have been identified as high or medium risk.

Hollin Acre (Image: NQ)“Our gritting policy was created following a thorough risk assessment of our neighbourhoods and consultation with our equality analysis panel.

“This sees priority given to the most vulnerable tenants living at sites that generally have unadopted footpaths, where support services are likely to visit, and where there is high footfall.

“This includes our Extra Care, Under One Roof and Sheltered Housing locations.”

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