LCC: Grass cutting money to be re-assessed

Over the past few years, Hyndburn Borough Council has experienced severe cuts to the public realm budget allocated by Lancashire County Council. This had led to a reduced service and an increased number of emails from the public expressing dissatisfaction.

'Public realm' is the term given to areas which borough Councils do not own but maintain on behalf of other organisations for an annual fee, such as roadside verges, trees and certain grassed areas.

Cabinet member for Parks and Open Spaces, Cllr Ken Moss, has contacted the new Leader of LCC, Cllr Geoff Driver, to see if this decision can be reversed.

Cllr Moss said, "We simply don't have the money to cut certain areas as much as we would like and quite understandably this has led to complaints from residents. I contacted Cllr Driver to point out the knock-on effects such as unsightly areas, increased flytipping and pet fouling and was delighted to find that he agreed with me. He has assured me that he will reinstate the public realm budget as soon as possible and I would like to thank him for his support."