Grassgate: review promised

IT’S BEEN a growing issue across the borough – now it’s going to be investigated.

Wokingham Borough

Council is launching a review of its grass cutting service, following a string of complaints earlier this year.

While the hot weather has curtailed grass growth, earlier this year, residents constantly contacted The Wokingham Paper and local councillors to air their grievances over the grass.

We’ve highlighted issues across the borough, including overgrown roundabouts, weeds on verges and parks and play areas left to become jungles.

The council said last week that its Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee will launch the probe.

This is the third year of the council’s new grass cutting contract, which is aimed to offer a more flexible service which responded to local needs and priorities.

For the review, the committee would like to hear the views of residents, Town and Parish Councils and Community Groups about the frequency and quality of grass cutting across the borough. This could include the timeliness and frequency of cuts, the quality of the work, disposal of grass cuttings, impact of wild flower areas, information on the Council’s website, complaints handling or any other issues.

The Committee will be holding witness sessions in the autumn, but, in the first instance it would like to receive written evidence or comments.

To submit written evidence to the Council’s Scrutiny

Officer, Neil Carr, email: neil. carr@wokingham.gov.uk or write to: Democratic Services, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WH.

Alternatively, call Mr Carr on 0118 974 6058.