A DUNFERMLINE councillor says vulnerable householders are being stranded in their homes because they don't have direct access to grit bins.

Cllr Aude Boubaker-Calder has called for a revision of grit bin policy after concerns have been raised by residents.

"I have been swarmed by messages, calls and emails by constituents in Dunfermline and Crossford either without direct access to grit bins or, worrying for elderly and disabled neighbours, stranded in their house because of the icy state of the pavements in residential areas," she said.

"Vulnerable people are not able to get out or get to the shops for essentials or to doctor's appointments without fearing to slip and hurt themselves. This is a real concern.

"I have been surprised and shocked to hear from the council that they have a “sustainable number of grit bins” and there is no plan to increase them despite the failure of the grit bins removal policy of the last few winters.

"I understand the pressure of gritting the main roads, it has left the pavements of residential areas to residents to deal with. Although without easy access to grit bins, at either side of slopes or at crossing of streets within short walking distance, it is really difficult for residents, and especially for elderly members of our community, to deal with many treacherous pavements."

Cllr Boubaker-Calder fears the lack of grit bins will also result in putting increased pressure on NHS Fife's minor injuries and A&E department.

"I am calling on the council to review this cost-cutting exercise they have done the past few years and reconsider putting more grit bins in places the council is not prioritising for gritting," she added.

"At the same time, I am also calling on the Scottish Government stopping their divisive argument on Independence and instead invest in local government funding so people in Scotland could have better local services provided by their local council."

Fife Council’s service manager for roads maintenance, Bill Liddle, said crews have been out in freezing conditions since early last week preparing Fife’s roads and pavements for the severe weather.

“We are now operating round-the-clock to keep the roads gritted, working on a priority basis across our 2,600km of Fife’s roads network.

“Communities can help by using their nearest grit bins to help keep pavements clear. We did a full refill of all grit bins in October/November and are now starting to refill on request. If your grit bin is empty, you can request for it to be refilled online at www.fife.gov.uk/gritting.

Cllr Altany Craik, spokesperson for finance, economy and strategic planning, added: “The council has been planning ahead for winter since the summer months to ensure that everything is in place and our gritting teams are ready to go out and keep Fife moving through the winter months.

“Over the past few days, our crews are out and working through the night to keep our road network open. There is a huge area to cover and rest assured everyone is working hard to keep the roads safe.”