Agenda item

CABINET MEMBER: COUNCILLOR CATRIN WAGER

To consider the report

RESOLVED to accept the report and to note the observations received.

The report was presented by the Head of the Highways and Municipal Department, who gave the background and context to the report.  He noted, in order to undertake these duties it was necessary to prepare and adopt a grass cutting policy for road verges, that considered the needs of road users, as well as wildlife needs.  He referred to the review of grass cutting arrangements and the proposed maintenance system that was before the committee for discussion.

The Assistant Head of Highways and Municipal gave details of some of the measures being taken.  He noted that the Department was working closely with the Senior Biodiversity Officer to identify specific areas for grass collection after cutting.  He referred to the 'better verges' project with the Social Farms and Gardens charity, that would be conducted in the 2022-23 financial year.  He noted that Plantlife had published a document in the context of countryside road verges and had received the Welsh Government's seal of approval.   

During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made by members:

·         Some supported amending the grass cutting arrangements to improve biodiversity, however, others did not support this.

·         They received complaints about trees protruding into the roads, could it be possible to adapt the cutting height in some cases?   A balance was needed between promoting biodiversity and road safety issues. It may be an option to cut only one side in some places. Very supportive of a full cut at the end of October to deal with overgrowth of scrub and of the opinion that grass cutting in August was too late in rural areas.   

·         There was a need to cut in 30mph areas.   Areas were tidier when cut grass was collected.  What were the considerations when reaching a conclusion about grass collection after cutting?  A cut in August would be too late in his area - would it be possible to have a rota regarding which areas would be cut first? 

·         Certainly, narrow lanes needed attention.  It was important for biodiversity that some areas were left.  The Council should take photographs when wild-flowers were at their peak and use these for promotion purposes.

·         Litter became evident following grass cutting and there was a need to co-ordinate arrangements.  Complaints had been received regarding thorns scratching cars on narrow lanes and tractors used to cut were too wide and brought down walls.  In narrow areas consideration should be given to using hedge cutting machinery.  

·         That attitudes were changing about grass cutting with more consideration being given to biodiversity.  Supportive of not cutting if it was acceptable in terms of safety.   

In response to the above observations, the officers noted that:

·         There was a movement to undertaking a full cut later on in the year.  There was a need to identify specific areas to promote biodiversity including planting. The use of a sprayer for weed killing would be looked at including placing more emphasis on using a sweeper in its place.

·         Hedges were cut up to a height of 1 metre, any growth above this was the owner's responsibility. Consideration would be given to specific areas as part of the review.

·         Attention would be given to the member's comments. In terms of the collection of all the grass following a cut, consideration needed to be given to the resources and the time involved as it would certainly entail a cost for the Council.

·         The Committee was thanked for the observations, attention would be given to the matters raised and they would return to the Committee to report on what had been undertaken.  It was noted that the Department was dealing with Ash Die-back work, that may be a matter for the Committee to consider in the future.

RESOLVED to accept the report and to note the observations received.