Call for action
BANNERS PUT UP IN FIGHT FOR COUNCIL TO TIDY UP
This is a council cut these Sunderland residents desperately want to see.
Spray-painted banners have been put on show by families angry over the decision to stop cutting grass outside their homes in Wear View Estate.
One of the displays has already been wrecked by vandals, with a claim it was set on fire when someone mistook the word for “refuse” with “refugee”, but the defiant neighbours say they will continue to fight for action from Sunderland City Council.
The authority has said the decision to reduce the service is a result of budget reductions from central Gov-ernment-a response branded a“poor excuse ” from one campaigner.
Residents have said they are fearful the area could catch fire, have seen dog owners allowing their pet to foul on the land without clearing up after it and are worried they will be plagued by mice, while children have been left without the area they have loved to play on as their summer holiday begins.
There have also been reports of a flasher using the swathes of grass to hide in.
People living in the area are annoyed others, such as Seaburn, Durham Road and Town End Farm are continuing to have their grassed areas cut, and have also launched a petition. Bernadine Anderson, 55,
has lived on the estate for 21 years. “Residents try to keep it nice and a respectable place,” said the support worker, who works with vulnerable adults. “They say it’s because of cuts from central Government, but they’ve decided to deny this area over others. “They’ve cut a 5 metre around the edge, but they’ve left the rest overgrown and it’s about 18ins long. “There’s rubbish in there, it’s horrendous, and it’s so disheartening. “It’s an insult because in Seaburn, Durham Road area, they get their grass cut, and they’re on major roads through Sunderland, and they’ve probably fully forgotten us, maybe because we’re not as affluent an area.” She added the council’s explanation over the cuts is a “poorexcuse”andbelievessav--
“It’s horrendous and it’s so disheartening” BERNADINE ANDERSON