Council steps in to cut grass in key areas

Getting increased grass cutting underway and maintaining the key gateways in and out of the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area with the intention of making sure the area looks neat and tidy are (l-r) Alderman Paul Porter; Trevor Boyd, Jonathan Pauley & Pete Disney; Cllr Brian Hanvey; Alderman Allan Ewart and Director Heather Moore.

Transport NI is responsible for grass cutting in areas such as road verges but budget cuts have seen this service reduced.

Now the council, which carries out an “ongoing grass-cutting and grass maintenance programme” for council-owned parks and grassed areas in its playgrounds and facilities, is to extend that service.

Elected members of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council say they want to ensure that the main gateways into Lisburn and key arterial routes are well maintained.

A spokeswoman said, “Council is aware of the adverse impact that a poor visual appearance of the area could have and is therefore committed to progressing a partnership approach in improving the overall appearance of the City Council area. The local communities will also be encouraged to participate in maintaining the visual amenity so that the area can be enjoyed by all those who live, work, visit or invest in the area. Civic pride will be encouraged across the entire area and the Council is keen to work with the whole community in this regard.”

Alderman Allan Ewart, chairman of the Development Committee, said: “The council endeavours to maintain those areas for which it is responsible however it is important to consider the main gateways where there is some high grass growth. We want the area to be a pleasant one not only for our ratepayers; but for visitors and shoppers coming into our towns and villages in the tourist season.

“We will endeavour, for the foreseeable, that priority area grass cutting which is not our responsibility be undertaken where possible to make the area look a little better.”

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Leisure & Community Development Committee, said: “There are plenty of people coming to leisure facilities over the summertime with children now on school holidays and we want their approach to the Council area, whether it be to the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex or to the Dundonald International Ice Bowl; or to one of our parks to be as pleasant as possible.

“It is important to the council that the area looks as good as it can. We must have a mind to the cost of this work but will do what we can to improve some of the areas which should normally be cut by Transport NI.”