A TOTAL of 15 grit bins costing £150 each have been stolen from Wirral’s roadsides.

An extra 110 grit bins had been installed across Wirral to help residents during freezing temperatures.

The bins have been funded through Wirral’s Area Forums and are located in pedestrianised streets, many areas around sheltered accommodation, near to steep hills and other problem locations identified by local residents.

However, the authority said 15 of them – in Birkenhead, Heswall and Greasby – have been stolen and another 20 moved to other locations.

The authority now has to check 215 grit bins to make sure that they are still in the right locations and are reinstating and restocking containers.

They will also be securing them to the ground.

Cllr Lesley Rennie, cabinet member for streetscene, said: “Stealing grit bins is, frankly, despicable. We have worked with communities to identify the most dangerous footways in icy weather and have provided 110 additional grit bins around Wirral.

“We will work hard to replace stolen grit bins and will also try our best to identify the thieves.

“I would urge people to take extra care, particularly the elderly, in areas that may usually be gritted but have not been, due to the actions of these thoughtless individuals.”