SPRING is well and truly here, and so are Wokingham’s grass cutting contractors.
Following the introduction of a new way of working in 2016, which led to areas of grass across the area not being cut for weeks, Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) is now confident that residents will not experience a repeat of the issues, branded ‘grassgate‘ by angry locals.
Working closely with contractors ISS Facility Services, the council has implemented a way of working that focuses on maintainin the grass areas that are most important to residents, while keeping costs to an affordable level within ever-tightening budgets.
The new contract means that the council no longer has to work to a rigid grass-cutting schedule, allowing for more flexibility so contractors can cut important areas more often.
Wildflower meadows will continue to be developed throughout the borough, with new sites located at Riverside Park in Lower Earley; Burnmoor Meadows in Finchampstead; and Ashenbury in Woodley, while some areas of larger parks will remain uncut to create natural homes for bugs, bees and birds to thrive. The council believes that, in addition to meeting biodiversity aspirations, the areas will make an attractive addition to the parks, with wide paths cut through.
WBC’s Executive member for environment Cllr Angus Ross said: “Our contractors were thrown in at the deep end last year with little time to prepare or plan for the new way of doing things, but that’s not the case now and we are confident that there will not be a repeat of those issues.
“Where the grass was cut short by the end of last year’s cutting season, it will be maintained at that length.
“I am also delighted that we have added some extra Wildflower Meadows this season to bring more splashes of colour across the borough.”
