North grass cutting review pledge

Council chiefs have confirmed that future grass cutting services across the Highlands will be reviewed at a meeting next month.

The Press and Journal revealed yesterday that members in several parts of the region are unhappy with the standard of work being carried out by private firm ISS, which has a £1million contract with the local authority.

Their concerns were discussed at a high-level meeting on Wednesday.

Speaking yesterday, community services chairman Allan Henderson said: “We’re in a period of significant change and under pressure from reducing resources. At the August committee, members will be invited to consider options for grass cutting going forward. Given the current financial climate, affordability will be an important consideration.”

Amenity grass cutting is carried out by contracted and inhouse staff. Current contracts with various providers expire early next year.

Council officials are keen to extend the deal until autumn next year. Councillors in Inverness, Badenoch & Strathspey and Lochaber are adamant that does not happen without a debate.

The council’s aims to give area committees more choice and control over how budgets are prioritised locally.

Councillors have expressed an interest in exploring the possibility of bringing some or all of the grass cutting service inhouse. ISS has declined to respond to the councillors’ criticism.