A petition calling on Wokingham borough council to increase the frequency of grass cutting in public parks, children’s play areas, verges and council maintained open spaces is closing in on 500 signatures.
According to the author, the petition is based on the lack of grass cutting and general maintenance he has seen in his area over recent months, and continues from similar experiences last year.
He said: “The grass on our estate has not been cut in two months in the peak of the growing season. The kerbs, gutters and road crossing points are covered in dirt, litter and tall weeds – the record being a 5.5 foot high thistle growing in a kerb so thick with weeds you could no longer see the kerbstones for at least 100m.
“Across the borough I can see pavements, footways and footpaths that are being so invaded by grass and weeds that they are down to single-file or worse, limiting access for many and hiding road/cycle signs completely from view.
“All of this seems to have come about from a quietly reduced grass cutting and maintenance schedule which I do not believe has been agreed in council meetings.”
“Residents pay council tax with a reasonable expectation that public spaces, verges, estates and recreational areas will be maintained to an acceptable standard.
“While we recognise the financial pressure faced by local authorities, basic grounds maintenance is an essential public server that contributes to public safety, community wellbeing and the appearance of our neighbourhoods.
“We also recognise and support the principle of managing certain public spaces in a way that promotes biodiversity, supports pollinators and enhances habitats for wildlife.
“We acknowledge that not every area needs to be mown to a traditional parkland standard and that carefully planned wildflower meadows can provide significant environmental benefits.
“However, managed biodiversity is not the same thing as abandonment, and reduced mowing should not become a substitute for proper grounds maintenance.
“Residents are concerned that many verges, estates, parks and public spaces currently show little evidence of active ecological management. Instead, they appear to be subject to a reduction in maintenance without any corresponding investment in biodiversity improvements.
“We urge the council to take immediate action to restore acceptable maintenance standards and demonstrate its commitment to the communities it serves.”
One signatory to the petition said: “My vets bill is over £700 from having to take my dog to the vets to remove a grass seed from his rear and then treat a resulting infection.
“This has caused significant discomfort, pain and stress for my dog , all because the verges and grass areas have not been cut this summer.“
Another said: “Considering the fact that I am unemployed and I am still paying my council tax at full rate, surely Wokingham borough Council can find someone to mow the grass.
“Children are getting tics from the long grass, as are animals, and not everyone knows how to remove them safely.”
In response to the allegations in the petition, Cllr Stephen Newton, Wokingham borough council’s executive member for refuse and recycling, told Wokingham Today: “We are currently slightly behind on our grass cutting schedule this year and are working with our contractor to get back on schedule as soon as possible.
“A later finish to last year’s cutting season, combined with a warm and wet spring that led to rapid grass growth, has contributed to the delay. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.
“We maintain more than 380 hectares of grass across the borough and balance a range of factors, including public safety, biodiversity, environmental considerations and value for money. Most grassed areas are cut up to four times a year during the growing season, while areas such as sports pitches, play areas and locations where visibility for road users could be affected are cut more frequently.
“Residents can report missed grass cutting, overgrown vegetation or sight line concerns through our website. Reports are assessed and prioritised, particularly where there may be a safety issue.”
Anyone in Wokingham borough is able to sign the petition at: www.change.org/p/wokingham-borough-grass-cutting-and-maintenance-schedule?source_location=search
