‘Overgrown and unsightly’- residents angry over lack of mowing

One local resident who contacted the Times said that the green at Carolhill Park was “well over a foot high”, adding that up until this year it had been well maintained.

The resident added that local residents were appalled by how untidy it was making the estate, and said it was a similar situation across the town.

“We all keep our gardens tidy but then have to look out at this monstrosity,” he said.

The situation has arisen due to budget cuts affecting Transport NI [formerly Roads Service] who are responsible for maintaining many grassed areas.

Meanwhile, Councillor concerns over the danger posed to motorists by overgrown grass at road ends are to be acted upon.

Mid & East Antrim’s CEO Anne Donaghy agreed at their monthly meeting to write to the department responsible for grass cutting after Cr Beth Adger said motorists had difficulty emerging safely from side roads on the A26 due to the length of grass at road ends.

“That needs to be looked at before an accident happens,” she said.

A DRD spokeswoman said: “The Minister said earlier this month that the Department is currently experiencing significant pressures on its resource budget which funds many of its maintenance activities and this situation is likely to continue for some time.

“As a result, a review of its maintenance activities has been carried out to identify where savings can be made.

“Grass cutting is one of the functions where reductions in service levels are required to achieve the required savings.

“The department will be carrying out one full cut of all grassed areas under its maintenance we control, with additional cuts to sightlines carried out as resources permit.”