Council to begin restricted grass-cutting service

Highland Council has announced it is to begin a restricted grass-cutting service across the region.

Despite having difficulties in terms of staffing, the local authority says it is "in a position to deliver a limited service at this time".

It says all work will be carried out in adherence with national guidelines on what are essential services, and with strict social distancing measures in place.

In a statement today the council said: "By commencing this limited service, members of the public should not interpret it as any lifting of the lockdown requirements."

The services focus mainly on mowed grass and include:

• Essential maintenance on the roadside, roundabouts and verges where there may be a road safety issue
• Grass-cutting in parks to enable people to take their daily exercise (play parks are to remain closed)
• Limited grass-cutting in burial grounds, areas of council housing and in some other open spaces

The following non-essential grounds maintenance cannot be undertaken at this stage:

• Strimming
• Maintenance of any rough-cut areas
• Maintenance of shrub and flower beds, unless it is with herbicide for weed control
• Litter-picking of amenity areas
• Maintenance of old burial grounds and unused sections that are no longer used for burials

The vice-convener, Councillor Allan Henderson, said: “The council is grateful to communities undertaking grass-cutting and strimming works to prevent deterioration of the amenity in their areas. This is appreciated now the growing season is under way.

"Of course communities must assess the risks of carrying out this task, and adhere to Scottish Government Covid-19 guidance at all times, particularly on social distancing.”

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