Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee requests a further report giving an outline of the cost of introducing grass collection within the Grass Cutting Policy

(b)       That the Committee recommends Cabinet approves the promotion of a programme of wildflower planting with those Town & Community Councils who wish to support the initiative.

The Chief Officer (Streetscene & Transportation) introduced a report highlighting the frequency of grass cutting for each category as defined within the current Grass Cutting Policy. He invited the Highway Network Manager to provide an overview on existing standards.  He reported that Contractors had to be brought in to maintain standards until the end of September due to resources being redirected to localised summer flooding incidents and record breaking temperatures promoting the growth of grass.

                        Councillor Evans asked what the costings were for the removal of grass that had been cut on sports fields and pensioner complexes.  He emphasised that this should not be left and should be taken away which would reduce the amount of complaints received.

                        The Highway Network Manager said that there would be a 70% increase in cost if the grass was to be collected as this would require new machinery and equipment.  The Chief Officer (Streetscene & Transportation) said that he would report back at the December/January meeting with figures.

                        Councillor Hughes agreed with Councillor Evans and said that Leeswood intended to wild seed green areas next year so that grass would not need cutting.  The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) reminded the Committee that the report recommended that Town & Community Councils put forward areas for consideration for wildflower planting to trial an alternative for less frequent cuts and longer grass.

                        The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Countryside shared photos of examples of where wildflowers could be planted at low cost.

                        In response to a question asked by Councillor Bibby an explanation was given on the grass cutting regime at cemeteries.

                        Councillor Hardcastle thanked the Chief Officer, the Highway Network Manager and Streetscene for the grass cutting that had been carried out in Aston.

                        The Chief Officer (Streetscene & Transportation) said he would speak to Councillor Hutchinson about an issue with a contractor after the meeting and he agreed to circulate information on the Voluntary Planting Scheme “Our Backyard”.

                        Councillor Evans proposed that the decision be deferred to consider a report on exact costing of the removal of grass cuttings in certain areas such as pensioner complexes, school playing fields and communal areas.

                        The Chief Officer (Streetscene & Transportation) agreed to report back in December/January on the cost.  This was supported by the Committee.

                        The recommendations were proposed by Councillor David Evans and seconded by Councillor George Hardcastle.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee requests a further report giving an outline of the cost of introducing grass collection within the Grass Cutting Policy

(b)       That the Committee recommends Cabinet approves the promotion of a programme of wildflower planting with those Town & Community Councils who wish to support the initiative.