Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee notes the cost of collecting grass during the grass cutting operation and recommends Cabinet approves the current policy; and 

(b)       That the Committee supports the pilot programme of wildflower planting and managing areas for biodiversity with those Town & Community Councils who have expressed an interest in supporting the initiative.

The Highways Network Manager presented a report to seek a recommendation to Cabinet to accept the revisions to the existing Grass Cutting Standard.  He provided background information and advised that the Grass Cutting Policy had been revised in January 2018 and a copy was appended to the report.  The programme of grass cutting was scheduled as described in the Policy.

The Highways Network Manager reported on the main considerations relating to the grass cutting policy and grass collection, as detailed in the report.  He also referred to the pilot programme of wildflower planting and managing areas for bio-diversity.

Councillor Dennis Hutchinson expressed concerns around matters in his Ward relating to the grass cutting and clearance/collection services provided for some of his residents.

Councillor Owen Thomas commented on matters of safety around obstruction of visibility at junctions, bends, and rural lanes. He also referred to issues arising on the length of grass, and said there was a need for drainage on publicly accessible  land, green spaces and playing fields. 

Referring to a previous request from the Committee for information on the collection of grass cuttings, Councillor   David  Evans accepted the explanation, as detailed in the report, that it would be too costly for the Authority to provide that service.  Councillor Evans said he was pleased that supervisors would be given discretion to request the removal of grass cuttings if necessary.

Councillor Carolyn Thomas acknowledged the concerns raised and said they would be looked into.

Councillor  Paul Shotton supported the proposal to undertake a Winter Cut in January 2020 where appropriate.  He also spoke in support of the initiatives for wildflower planting, as detailed in the report.

The recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor Paul Shotton and seconded by Councillor Sean Bibby.

RESOLVED:

 (a)      That the Committee notes the cost of collecting grass during the grass cutting operation and recommends Cabinet approves the current policy; and 

(b)       That the Committee supports the pilot programme of wildflower planting and managing areas for biodiversity with those Town & Community Councils who have expressed an interest in supporting the initiative.