No moves on grass cutting
Claims that Stirling Council officials are preparing a report on grass cutting have been turfed out.
Stirling Conservative representatives at the council claimed officers were compiling a report on the options for lifting grass cuttings in certain parts of the area.
It was claimed that a report would be brought forward to the next meeting of the council’s environment and housing committee, which will outline the policy and cost implications from adopting such an approach in key areas and playing fields.
However, Stirling Council has rejected these claims, stating that rather than a report on grass cutting, elected members were to be informed of the costs associated with grass cutting, which they have said will be considered in future budget processes.
The issue of grass cutting was first raised at a full council meeting on June 27, when Tory councillors Ross Oxburgh and Jeremy McDonald lodged a motion with the council seeking a report on possible changes to grass collection procedures.
The motion was defeated by 14 votes to seven.
Conservative councillors were, however, poised to welcome the publication of a report.
Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Douglas Dodds told the Observer: “We have some wonderful green public spaces but there are many people who feel this is spoilt when grass cuttings are simply left behind as is currently the case. It not only has a negative visual impact but can leave the place feeling uncared for. Several people that I have spoken to have told me about dog mess being concealed by the cuttings.
“If we are serious about encouraging more people to get out and get active then we need to make our open spaces appealing and agreeing certain locations where grass cuttings are lifted will do that.
Stirling North councillor Ross Oxburgh, who lodged the June motion,claimed officers had acknowledged there was a problem.
He said: “This decision by officers is welcome news. We will continue to push for action on this so residents of Stirling can enjoy cleaner parks.
“Proposals with costs should be bought forward and councillors can either back suggestions or explain why they do not. I hope councillors in the administration will decide on the merits of the case presented and not vote as one block as usual.”
However, a spokesperson for Stirling Council said: “At a meeting of full council on June 27, Councillors Jim Thomson and Danny Gibson proposed a ‘direct negative’ to the Conservative group motion that was passed by 14 votes to seven.
“No report will be brought forward to any future meeting of the environment and housing committee. However, information on the costs associated with collecting grass cuttings will be circulated to all elected members to be considered as part of the future budget process.”