THERE have been calls for more roadside salt bins after residents spent the last four days slipping and sliding in the icy conditions.

Councillors from across south Essex have criticised the disappearance of the boxes full of rock salt, which used to be a common site on the county’s verges.

The bins are the responsibility of the local district or borough authority, although Essex County Council refills them.

Canvey councillor Dave Blackwell said there used to be more than ten bins scattered around the island and now there are none.

He said: “There used to be at least four boxes in the town centre, but they’ve gone now, in fact I don’t think there are any on the entire island any more.

“The shopkeepers were crying out for salt in the High Street. Had the boxes been there it wouldn’t have been all the nasty accidents we had.”

Castle Point Council cabinet member for highways Ray Howard admitted the number of boxes in the borough had dropped. He said: “I think it was a problem with the salt being stolen and then there has been the recent warmer winters.”

According to Basildon councillor Geoff Williams the boxes that are left in his area are poorly maintained.

He said: “They are neglecting to refill grit bins.

“They lie empty all year and are regarded as litter bins by the public. If the council did its job then people couldn’t chuck their rubbish in.”

Michael Page, spokesman for Essex County Council, said if residents wanted a new salt bin in their area they should contact the authority which will make an assessment based on the number of bins nearby.

Meanwhile, Southend Council has confirmed the number of salt bins in the borough has not changed over the past five years.

Ian Robertson, the cabinet member in charge of the gritting operation, said: “There has been no reduction in there number over the past five years and we’ve got no plans to reduce them.”