New Grass Cutting Arrangements are Dangerous and Damaging

The new grass cutting arrangements in West Lancashire are dangerous and environmentally damaging say OWL.  Councillors Ian Rigby and Linda Webster have tabled the item for debate at the Borough Council’s main Policy and Resources committee on Wednesday after a litany of complaints in their ward.

Cllr Webster said, “This issue has been complained about to councillors multiple times recently and has resulted in extremely dangerous conditions along Rainford Road and at the Four Lane Ends Roundabout.

Grass was left to grow to such a height that there was virtually no visibility of oncoming traffic when in the refuges in the central reservation on Rainford Road.  The height of grass on the roundabouts was also obscuring vision for motorists.  When a cut was eventually done it was a extremely poor job which saw only a thin strip cut back along the carriageway.  Visibility was still very poor and the situation remained dangerous.”

Cllr Rigby who lives near Four Land Ends added, “There was no litter picking before the grass cutting commenced at the roundabout resulting in shredded litter being left on the verges which is not environmentally responsible and creates more work for others.  There is also a lack of clarity over where Borough council and County Council grass cutting starts and finishes.  We’ve asked for the maps agreed by the two councils, but apparently there aren’t any!”

Our West Lancashire Chairman, Councillor Adrian Owens said, “This issue is widespread.  In Lathom, a junction was dangerous because the height of the verge grass obstructed the sight lines for vehicles exiting onto a 60mph speed limit road.  Thankfully, Cllr Paul Hesketh was able to get that resolved.  However, there are other areas in Skelmersdale that are as bad as Rainford Road.  It’s bad enough that the Labour council have reduced grass cuts by 25%, leaving the area unkempt, but the County Council are letting down the area too.  The coordination of grass cutting between the Borough and County councils is verging on the shambolic at the current time, hence why we have tabled it for debate.”