The recent cold snap brought about a number of questions from residents about the salt / grit bins on site and so I thought it would be useful to provide some general information along with a handy map so people know where their closest one is.
As shown below, there are eight on site, albeit two are on the perimeter road to Foundation Square on either side of the road dip. The salt bins are yellow and for the use of local residents to apply salt (only) on local roads and pavements.
When I checked yesterday, a few of bins didn’t actually contain any salt, but after following up with GHVDC, I note that the bins have been partly filled today. I was also told that there is actually limited stock in Bicester at the moment and the bins will be fully replenished once supplies can be sourced.
At the moment, the salt bins are maintained by GHVDC, but when the roads are adopted this will become the responsibility of Oxfordshire County Council (OCC). Please refer to the following web pages to find out information about gritting in Oxfordshire in general and also some specific information about salt bins.
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/street-maintenance-z/salt-and-grit-bins
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/street-maintenance-z/salting-and-snow-clearance
In addition to the above, please note the following:
- Salt/grit from salt bins is only for use on the public highway and must not be used for private drives or garden paths.
- A little goes a long way – one tablespoon of salt (20g) is sufficient to treat one square metre. This is important to make sure the supply lasts (GHVDC may have been quick to restock the bins, in future OCC may be less so).
- This may be obvious, but avoid plants and grass as the salt will damage them.
- The best time to apply salt is actually before the snow and ice arrives, as pre-treating the surface makes it harder for the snow and ice to stick. If snow has already fallen, it is better to clear the snow and then apply the salt to avoid icy patches forming.
- Unsurprisingly, it is not practical for the council to grit all the roads in the county and the same applies to the provision of salt bins and where to use the salt. The advice is to focus on especially busy paths, those used by vulnerable residents, steep hills and slopes, crossing and bus stops, and where there is already (or expected to be) compacted ice.
There is no official criteria for the provision of additional salt bins. OCC say they treat each request on their merits. Whilst there are already a number on site, if you feel there is a case for an additional one, please make a request of GHVDC at customerservices@gravenhill.co.uk and let us know also.
Lastly, when I checked the salt bins, several of them contained things other than salt. These things were mostly alcohol related, so that probably explains quite a bit. Nonetheless, please don’t use them as waste bins or bottle banks.
Hope this was helpful. Happy New Year and let’s be careful out there.
Graven Hill Residents' Association 