In 2010 Uckfield Town Council agreed that it would no longer provide grit bins or
fill existing bins in the town. 
The Council would however, offer the existing bins
to Resident Associations or community groups free of charge. These groups could
then purchase the grit from the County Council and control the use of the grit. A
number of residents have already formed associations in Uckfield and have obtained
the relevant licences and permission.
The County Council currently have the following scheme.
New grit bins
East Sussex County Council will provide/and or fill grit bins where:
- the costs are met by residents' associations or businesses
- there is a suitable location for the new bin.
You can the request a new grit bin through your local Highways Contact Centre. They will review the request and, if approved, agree a suitable location. Bins can be located on the highway, private or Council owned land, with the landowner's permission.
- Cost for a grit bin
- Grit bin - £140
- Installation and first fill - £130
- Refill - £ 70
Filling an empty grit bin
Grit bins are not automatically refilled. The owner or responsible person (e.g. the residents association) must ask for a bin to be refilled by contacting our Highways Contact Centre and making an advance payment. East Sussex County Council will then arrange for the new bin to be refilled when they refill their own grit bins.
When there is high demand for grit, this may be reserved for use on priority roads and this might prevent grit bins from being refilled.
Spreading grit safely
Safety is the most important factor.
- Only spread the grit when there are no vehicles or pedestrians nearby.
- Wear bright clothing so that you can be seen easily.
- Don't assume the road or pavement is safe just because it has been gritted.
- Look after the environment – use the minimum grit necessary. A shovel full of grit will be sufficient for 20–30sq.m of road.
Further information
UCKFIELD TOWN COUNCILS VOLUNTEER SNOW SCHEME
Contact your local Highways Contact Centre.
ESCC’s page about gritting roads and pavements
Printable Fact Sheet on Provision of Grit Bins (ESH11)
Directgov advice on Clearing snow and ice from pavements yourself
