SORRY FOR ‘APPALLING’ STATE OF GRASS CUTTING
COUNCILLOR APOLOGISES AFTER COMPLAINTS ABOUT OVERGROWN PATHS, HEDGES AND FIELDS IN BOROUGH
A COUNCILLOR has apologised for the “appalling” state of grass cutting in Nuneaton and Bedworth.
Cllr Ian Lloyd (Lab, Camp Hill), cabinet member for arts and leisure at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said sorry after complaints about overgrown paths, hedges and fields.
The contract to carry out grass cutting and ground maintenance across the borough is handled by Chorley-based Glendale.
Cllr Lloyd revealed that the council has issued 52 retification notices to Glendale over substandard work between April and June this year, costing the firm thousands in fines.
Speaking at a public meeting, Cllr Lloyd said: “The Glendale grounds maintenance has been absolutely appalling from the start of the grass cutting season and I can only apologise for that.
As a council we do value issues raised by the councillors or public, but officers can only deal with those issues if they are told about them. Cllr Ian Lloyd
“They have now started to pull their socks up and pull the stops out and the borough green spaces are starting to improve but we have a way to go to improve the standard we require.”
He was reacting to a question raised by Cllr Keith Kondakor at a full council meeting, who quizzed him on the current state of overgrown paths and hedges and field areas. Cllr Kondakor added: “Given the continued performance issues will the council consider abandoning the proposed uncontested contract extension?” Cllr Lloyd responded: “The period it (the contract) was extended and the agreement to hold their (Glendale) prices at April 2011 level for the remainder of the extension period, stopping any inflatable increase on the contract.”
He went on to add: “Officers are continually monitoring the contract areas but, with ever increasing work load being put on officers due to government cuts, I have to ask all councillors to play their part if you have a specific issue or complaint, please contact the council and the relevant officer.
“If you are a member of the public, please contact the customer services by phone or email, and if the latter, please try and send a photograph.
“Action will be taken if the contractor is found to be failing
“As a council we do value issues raised by the councillors or public, but officers can only deal with those issues if they are told about them.”
The Telegraph has contacted Glendale for a comment.