Londoners Told: Grit Your Own Streets!

Londoners are being encouraged to take up shovels and grit their own streets as the capital prepares for a significant temperature drop this week. Several London councils are distributing free salt, hi-vis vests, and snow shovels to residents, asking them to assist in clearing pavements and residential streets that municipal teams may not reach. These 'snow angel' and 'winter buddy' schemes are gaining attention amidst rising taxes and strained local budgets, as the UK anticipates 'difficult, slippery conditions' with possible snow and harsh frosts.

Councils like Wandsworth, Haringey, Bromley, Lambeth, and Waltham Forest are actively recruiting volunteers. They are providing materials such as 50kg sacks of grit, smaller 25kg bags of salt, gloves, and shovels. These programs, some dating back over a decade, aim to supplement official gritting efforts on priority routes by focusing on side roads. While some boroughs highlight their schemes as popular and effective, others note the financial pressures they face, including increased council tax and reduced central government funding.

However, this push for citizen involvement has sparked backlash from groups like the TaxPayers' Alliance. Critics argue that councils are overstepping by expecting residents to perform basic winter maintenance services, especially after increasing local taxes. They contend that town hall officials should prioritize essential services rather than outsourcing them to taxpayers who are already contributing financially. Health officials are also warning of increased risks for older people due to the expected freezing temperatures across the country.