Quick U-turn on grass cutting in Walsall?

Complaints have been made about overgrown parks and open land after mowing was reduced in the council cuts.

The authority agreed more than £135,000 savings from grass cuttings, parks and ground maintenance earlier this year.

But new council bosses are now looking to reverse the decision that was made when Labour was in charge of the town hall amid concerns over the unsightly mess being created in the borough.

The u-turn comes after a town hall vote last week that saw the Conservatives take control promising to makes changes in budget spending.

New council leader Mike Bird said: "We are going to make some changes. As I've gone round the borough there have been complaints about the state of the parkland areas where the grass is overgrown.

"Disabled people who use scooters are saying the wheels can't turn properly and that they are getting stuck in the long grass that gets wrapped round the wheels.

"The decision to reduce the number of times that the grass is cut, along with others decisions made by the previous administration were approved by the cabinet of the day.

"It will have to go back to the cabinet by law to be looked at first. I have asked the officers to prepare a report on this matter. The next meeting will be on June 24."

Angry families in Bloxwich have also complained that the Odell Road open space near their homes used as playing fields and for walking dogs is now at around a foot high, making it difficult for them to enjoy the area. They also told the Express & Star it is also becoming more difficult for owners to clean up after their dogs, leaving walkers exposed to potential hazards at the 10-acre site that borders Leamore.

Campaigner John Wright, of Irvine Road, said: "I most certainly welcome any changes in grass cutting policy. This morning I ran my mower over a four metre area of the fields that runs behind our garden fence to keep it tidy, but I defy anybody to try using a simple garden mower over such a wide area.

"I have spoken to a lot of my neighbours who are unhappy with the state of the open ground. Several of us have been talking to our councillors about the situation and I'm hoping to hold talks to the new portfolio holder for parks for them to hear our views as well."