Gritting Gripes and Community Spirit as Big Freeze Grips Horsforth

Horsforth: The icy weather has really hit the town hard. But one local guy, Scott Eastwood, is stepping up to help out. He usually runs a rubbish removal service, but lately, he’s been out gritting the streets and paths for folks who are struggling to get around. And he’s doing it all for free!

Thanks to Scott, many residents can finally get out for essentials and appointments. With the heavy snowfall, a lot of people, especially the elderly and those with mobility issues, have been stuck at home feeling pretty lonely.

Social media has been buzzing with complaints about the lack of gritting on side roads. People are frustrated that grit bins are empty, making it tough for them to tackle the icy conditions themselves. The roads are super slippery, and it doesn’t look like they’ll improve anytime soon.

Temperatures are expected to drop to minus eight again tonight. Residents on streets like King Edwards and Brownberries are sharing their struggles online. Some have even noticed gritters passing by without dropping any grit, which is just adding to the frustration.

Matt Whitlock, who lives on Broadway, shared his thoughts. He said the council can’t control the weather, but the gritting routes need serious improvement. He hasn’t been able to move his car for days, which means he’s missed work. Plus, walking his eight-year-old to school has been a real challenge.

Gillian Moore chimed in too, saying it’s unacceptable that side streets are left untreated while main roads get all the attention. She’s been trying for years to get another grit bin on King Edward Avenue, especially since it’s a busy area for schools and doctors.

Leeds City Council did release a statement this morning. They mentioned that their gritting teams were out early and will keep working during this cold spell, focusing on primary routes. They also updated residents about bin collections, which have been affected by the weather. They advised people to leave their bins out until Sunday and that extra waste would be collected if left securely tied next to the bin.

For those feeling the cold or isolated, Leeds City Council is offering Welcome Spaces where people can grab a hot drink and have a chat. More info on their “Winter Wellbeing” program is available for anyone who needs it.