MORE gritting bins are needed for parts of South Swindon as freezing temperatures look set to continue, councillors say.

Old Town Parish councillors Nick Burns-Howell and Claire Ellis are calling on the council to provide more grit bins across the Old Town and East Wichel area.

The pair have recently managed to secure a new grit bin for East Wichelstowe, but they are determined to see more big yellow boxes appear to ensure residents are safe on the streets.

Nick said: “During the cold weather, a number of residents, including myself, have hunted for our local salt and grit bins to support the local community and make the pavements safer.

“Living in Old Town I was shocked by the lack of readily accessible bins in my local area and the fact that in some areas such as East Wichelstowe there were none at all.”

Nick and Claire are also asking for the council’s help to investigate new sites for bins right across the local area.

Developers Taylor Wimpey have agreed to fund a new gritting box in East Wichel, and the councillors would appreciate suggestions from the borough on where this should be located.

Coun Claire Ellis said: “This cold snap has highlighted just how hard our gritting teams have worked right across Swindon, but we would like to see additional bins across our area to support local residents to keep the pavements safe.

“We have asked the borough to consider new sites across Old Town and will keep residents updated.”

In response, the council said they were open to suggestions from members of the public on where the new bins should be placed, and that more would be provided once a suitable place to site them is found.

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said: “We are more than happy to consider the requests made by local borough and parish councillors and we would also welcome suggestions from the public.

“We do provide grit bins when required, once we have made sure the location is suitable.”