A GREAT Sankey man is calling for action over grass cutting on Whittle Brook linear park after claims the long grass is now becoming a breeding ground for insects.

Graham Jones, of Mapplewell Crescent, said he contacted the council three months ago expressing his concerns over a lack of maintenance in the area and has not yet had a response.

Since then the problem has got even worse as residents have now been complaining of mosquito and gnat bites as insects breed in the long grass.

He added: "In our view little has changed (since the complaint).

"Narrow strips of grass near pathways through the park have been cut on a few occasions since and recently there has been some activity in the cutting back of shrubbery to the rear of houses.

"I have spoken with many local residents on a daily basis, my wife and myself included, who have suffered bites which have become infected and sore, with irritation lasting for quite a few days."

Mr Jones also added verges and play areas through the estate to the rear of Mapplewell Crescent and Birdwell Drive had not been cut for eight weeks and tomato plants have since self-seeded in the unkempt grass verges.

He said: "We have spoken to a number of neighbours recently who are concerned our local area is becoming 'back of the queue' when compared to the Chapelford Village, Whittle Hall and Dakota Park areas.

"Is this a new venture into depriving the local farming community of business and asking local residents to 'pick your own', in their own back yard?"

A council spokesman said: “We are following national advice from Public Health England and advising residents to cover water butts and remove leaves and change water regularly in bird baths and paddling pools.

"Mosquitoes tend to peak around this time of year and can be more prevalent in warm weather and around water-based habitats.”