Council addresses roadside verges and public spaces concerns

Following recent issues raised across Aberdeenshire, council officers have today confirmed that works will start in the coming weeks to address cutting back green spaces and roadside verges.

A spokesperson for Landscape Services responded: "Officers can confirm that arrangements are in place to commence grass cutting operations on roads verges in mid-June as per our existing contract arrangements with our contractors.

"The decision to proceed with this ‘critical activity’ was made on the grounds of road safety and the timing of commencement ties in with our usual timing for such works.

"Suitable checks are being carried out with contractors to ensure that the works can proceed in compliance with current government guidance.

"With regards to grass cutting in parks and open spaces, Landscape colleagues have been working in recent weeks on the initial stages of a recovery plan looking at how we may recommence grass cutting safely and what the priority sites may be.

"This work is still ongoing and we will look at the FM’s announcements and consider the implications of the changes announced today and how this fits in with our planning.

They continued: "Obviously any decision to recommence specific work activities will need to take several factors into consideration including, primarily, the safety of operatives and the public, but will also need to consider overall Service priorities including maintaining other critical activities such as burials, waste collection and HWRC’s reopening.

"In addition the council’s wider priorities and budget situation may also be a determining factor.

"Officers are therefore not in a position at this time to give a definitive date but will be looking at resuming Landscape operations on a priority basis as soon as they possibly can."

"I hope this helps alleviate growing concerns."

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