Dog walkers say decision to only trim centre of field
is ridiculous and dangerous

GREAT Sankey residents have criticised the ‘ridiculous’ decision to only cut grass in the centre of a playing field off Parsonage Way creating a ‘speech bubble’ shape.

Homeowner Brian Whittaker is one of a number of neighbours who have written to council chiefs regarding the cost-cutting move and said the overgrown grass is creating health and safety concerns.

The 73-year-old added: “It looks ridiculous and having visited other various open spaces around the borough, the one in Parsonage Way is a one-off.

“Is the grass cutter under specific orders to cut the grass in this way?

“We have health and safety issues as animal faeces lurk in the overgrown grass for children who are trying to enjoy the green, open space.”

A council spokesman said: “We do recognise concerns about grass cutting across the borough but the council is facing severe funding reductions and as a result of this grass cutting schedules have been changed.

“The grass will be cut less often in locations where short mown grass is not a necessity for recreational use such as highway verges, low use areas within parks and open spaces and rural verges.

“We would like to reassure residents that despite these challenges we will continue to strive to maintain public open space to the very best standard we can within the available resources.”