Labour’s Sonia Kumar demands action from Tory-run Dudley council
[Story updated on January 8, 2026]
Sonia Kumar MP has called for urgent action from Conservative-led Dudley council after residents reported dangerously icy and ungritted roads in this week’s freezing weather.
The MP wrote to council leader Patrick Harley following a surge of complaints about hazardous conditions on streets, including Crockett Street, Watson’s Green Road, Hamilton Close, Braswall Road, Corporation Street and New Rowley Road.
Residents said some roads and pavements were “treacherous”, with reports of accidents and injuries that they say could have been avoided with proper winter maintenance.
Kumar said the lack of gritting posed a serious risk to public safety, particularly for older and vulnerable residents, as well as emergency services and key workers who must continue travelling in icy conditions.
She urged the council to urgently review its winter service plan and explain what steps are being taken to improve coverage.
“Residents rightly expect their council to be prepared for freezing weather,” Ms Kumar said.
“The situation we have seen across Dudley is unacceptable and has put people at real risk.”
The issue follows the removal of grit bins under Conservative leadership, Kumar said. The Dudley Labour Group has submitted a motion calling for their reinstatement, with a decision expected within days.
Dudley council’s response
Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: “Dudley Council has always prioritised the main road network, keeping principal routes as safe and free flowing as possible.
“Our gritting teams have been out responding to the weather conditions and will continue to treat the roads ahead of predicted snow and further cold temperatures. This will include utilising additional resources, including ploughs for key network routes as required.
“We always monitor winter conditions, and feedback from residents is valued. Last year, we invested in new gritting equipment to allow better access to narrow streets. We also undertook a review of grit bins to ensure resources are used efficiently and effectively, with the majority kept for community use. Those in poor condition, attracting vandalism or infrequently used, were removed and we are in the process of updating our mapping to reflect this.
“More than 700 bins are still in place across the borough to complement our wider scheduled operations. We will continue to monitor feedback regarding our winter gritting services.”
