Residents of Wellingborough estate 'let down' by lack of grit bins with lingering safety issues in sub-zero temperatures

The Wellingborough new-build estate, which currently has more than 1,300 homes currently occupied, is accessed via Driver Way – a steep hill.

When Storm Goretti hit the area earlier this month, icy roads and a lack of provision, including grit bins, to combat the slippery surfaces caused concerns.

Of the 165 grit bins currently installed throughout Wellingborough, on roads adopted by the local authority, none are found in Stanton Cross.

Stanton Cross resident George Kinton said: “Considering Stanton Cross has a primary school you would think a simple request to provide grit to the estate to keep roads safe and children commuting to school safely is a reasonable request.

"Yet another request being denied by the developers who have already failed and still failing to provide facilities such as shops to the estate.

“Residents feel very let down and disappointed once again.”

Currently, the nearest grit bins are found in Chace Road, and Cromwell Court, each around one-and-a-half to two miles from the centre of Stanton Cross.

Those living on another new build estate in Wellingborough, Glenvale Park have to travel half a mile away to use grit bins near Ashton Grove, and in Barnwell Gardens.

George says that, due to a lack of grit bins at Stanton Cross, an accident occurred when the weather was at its worst and the roads were frozen over.

During the icy snap, residents had to brave treacherous conditions to travel further into Wellingborough to source grit from outside of the estate.

He also claims the developer instructed residents to purchase their own grit as the developer is ‘not within its obligations’ to do so.

A spokesman for developer Vistry said: “We understand how frustrating it can be for residents during periods of cold and icy weather, and we appreciate the concerns that have been raised.

“At present, the roads in question have not yet been adopted by the local authority, we are working with the relevant parties to move the roads towards adoption, at which point they will fall under the local authority’s maintenance arrangements which may include maintenance of the grit bin that was previously used by others.

“Responsibility for winter gritting, does not formally sit with Vistry. That said, Vistry has provided a limited supply of grit as a goodwill gesture to residents in this area and would as a responsible home builder keep the situation under review while the adoption process progresses.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this situation may cause and thank residents for their patience and understanding.”

Grit bins, which are provided by North Northants Council (NNC), can be requested between May and October. When requested they must meet a minimum of five requirements including, but not limited to, being on a public highway, at a sharp bend, near community facilities, at a known problem site, and no placed less than 150 metres from an existing bin.

However, the council says the roads at Stanton Cross haven’t been adopted yet, thus they are not responsible for the gritting.

A North Northants Council spokesman said: “Whilst none of the roads within Stanton Cross constructed by the developers have been adopted yet by the council, we continue to work with them towards that aim. However, there remain a number of technical and legal matters that need to be resolved to facilitate the required agreements and works.

“In the meantime, the developers remain responsible for the roads concerned including gritting. We have, however shared residents’ requests with them and are happy to work with them regarding the provision of grit bins in appropriate locations.”