Grass verge not cut by the council? - Cut it yourself and pay for the privilege too!
Angry residents across Teignbridge are calling for Conservative run Devon County Council to rescind their decision to cease to cut grass verges other than in places where visibility requires it. They are also incensed at new charges for some green waste being brought in by the Conservatives at local Recycling Centres - moves which are being strongly opposed by local Liberal Democrats.
New charges are being introduced for community groups to take grass cuttings and weeds to Recycling Centres like the one in Brunel Road.
This is condemned by Cllr Alistair Dewhirst who says, "Residents are now not only being faced with a new £35 charge if they want to continue to use their green bins, but if a community group opts to help out with cutting back the overgrown grass verges and weeding the pavements they are to be charged if these cuttings are now taken to the tip.
"We should be encouraging community action, not putting obstacles in their way. While individuals will still be able to take their own grass clippings to the Tip, if a group does so on behalf of the community, they will be charged for the privilege. What utter nonsense!"
Cllr Dewhirst, who has been contacted about the issue by many concerned residents, says that we should all be worried that Devon is in danger of becoming a scruffy and untidy county, which will damage our image of an attractive holiday destination.
Cllr Dewhirst is therefore asking Teignbridge Council to lobby Devon County Council to stop this new money-grubbing policy - "I hope this will be supported by all colleagues at Teignbridge and I am sure it will encourage residents and community groups to take a real pride in our District."
Background -
DCC Neighbourhood Highways Manager's Advice
We are continuing to have instances of community self-help groups attempting to dispose of green waste from the highway at County Council recycling facilities.
The situation was made clear by Councillor Croad in response to a member Question at Full Council last month, as on the following link.
The advice we are providing to self-help groups regarding disposal of green waste is as follows:-
Small amounts of green waste could be taken home to be home composted.
Local allotment associations or community composting groups may be able to assist
Alternatively consideration could be given to leaving pulled weeds or grass cuttings on the verges where they will rot down.