June 19, 2017 3.08 pm This story is over 81 months old

Residents left angry after county council reduces highway grass cutting

Lincolnshire County Council has reduced the number of times it cuts grass verges in Lincoln and Lincolnshire in order to save £750,000 a year. The council previously funded three trims a year for the verges but this has now been reduced to two, angering many residents. Some residents have voiced fears over road safety, reporting…
Photo: The Lincolnite

Lincolnshire County Council has reduced the number of times it cuts grass verges in Lincoln and Lincolnshire in order to save £750,000 a year.

The council previously funded three trims a year for the verges but this has now been reduced to two, angering many residents.

Some residents have voiced fears over road safety, reporting that some verges in Lincoln are more than a few feet tall.

Ryan Pearce, said: “It reduces vision on many junctions around Lincoln, the verges around the A15 and B1188 where I live have been cut twice this year.

“It’s not a case of take your lawn mower and do it yourself it’s five foot tall field grass that’s cut with a tractor. Get back on top of it, reduce the danger factor and save lives.”

A Highway Spokesperson from Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The council can no longer afford to do everything it’s done in the past.

As a result, we will now only be funding two cuts a year at locations where overgrown grass could cause safety issues. In addition, we’ll be carrying out weed control once a year.

“We believe this new approach strikes the right balance – it keeps our roads safe, while ensuring the service remains affordable.

“The first cut is currently being carried out, with the second to be scheduled for later in the year, depending on the speed at which the grass grows back.

“In some areas, the work will be taken on by the district or parish council, who may also carry out additional cuts at their own expense.

“This will save the council £750,000 annually, helping protect other vital areas like the pothole budget.