A PLAY area has had its grass cut and received a lick of paint as the council continues to undertake its regular maintenance procedures.
Last week, we reported on parents concerned about the play area in Oakey Drive, sharing their fears that it was a health hazard, with children at risk of encountering grass snakes and ticks.
Executive member of Environment, Sport and Leisure at Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Ian Shenton, said: “The open space around the park on Oakey Drive was cut last week, having last been cut in April. Fast growth following the wettest March on record has made cutting progress slow for in some areas, but our contractors are working overtime across the borough to catch up.
“The grass in the play area has been strimmed since the previous cut in April.
“Most of the equipment in the play area was due to be painted, which meant our contractor had to close it. Unfortunately, some of the paint work was damaged before it fully dried, meaning some areas had to be redone.
“That work has now been completed and the park reopened on July 10. We will review the work and make sure that everything that required painting has been painted.”
He promised: “We will be keeping the grass in the play area short, which should mean there isn’t a greater risk of ticks or grass snakes in the areas that are most used by children.
“We would be grateful to hear of any reported grass snakes so this can be recorded, as they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. You can email us at cleanerandgreener@wokingham.gov.uk to let us know of any sightings.”
