Wirral grit bin thieves 'despicable', says councillorA councillor has condemned thieves who have been stealing grit bins from around Wirral's streets - less than a week after they were installed.
Inspectors have found about 20 sites where bins have been stolen, and others that have been moved.
The council recently provided an extra 110 grit bins on paths they identified as the most dangerous in icy weather.
Councillor Lesley Rennie, who is responsible for transport, described the thieves as "despicable creatures".
The bins were provided for residents to use grit on paths and minor roads outside their homes.
Gritting continues
Council inspectors are now checking all of the borough's 215 grit bins to make sure that they are still there and secure them to the ground.
"It's absolutely despicable that people will steal from their own communities like this," said Mrs Rennie.
"We are working with the police and are determined to catch these people."
The council said it was continuing to grit all primary and secondary transport routes.
Offenders undergoing community service orders are helping to treat the pavements and main car parks in shopping areas.
Source: BBC