WALSALL: Walsall Council has appealed to people to buy grit for home use from builders' merchants.
Emergency grit bins are being raided by people keen to clear icy paths around their homes with stocks running low in some areas.
Councillor Tom Ansell, Walsall council transport chief, said: "We have grit bins at places where there are potential dangers like hills and bends in the road. It is hugely disappointing to have to say that people are stealing grit. Overall half the grit has been taken from bins leaving stocks in some places worryingly low."
The council warned today that raiders are putting people's lives at risk. More than 170 bins are installed across Walsall at critical points close to hills and sharp bends. It has asked residents to buy their own rock salt from DIY shops or builders' merchants.
