Cannock Park complaint is just unbe-leaf-able

Now a complaint has been lodged about too many leaves - in the park.

The picturesque annual leaf-fall has been causing problems for the Friends of Cannock Park group who say the leaves should be removed.

But council bosses say: "It's autumn - leaves fall on the ground. It's what they do."

The authority has received a letter outlining the group's concerns and asking for action to be taken.

Councillor Christine Mitchell, cabinet member for culture and sports, said: "I couldn't believe it when I read it.

"We all scratch our heads a bit about the apparent disruption caused by leaves falling on railways lines - but leaves falling in the park? That's a new one on me."

The main cause for concern for the Friends group are leaves that are swept up from the neighbouring golf course and left in piles in the park.

The council has overall responsibility for the management and maintenance of both Cannock Park and the golf course, although the latter is run by Wigan Leisure Culture Trust which also runs other leisure facilities in the borough.

The council's in-house team looks after the park.

Friends chairwoman Christine Salmon said: "It sounds a silly thing but it's not.

"It's been a beautiful autumn and we've all enjoyed seeing the leaves on the trees.

"The problem is that the golf course has got to be kept clear of leaves otherwise people wouldn't be able to play - but they are then left in big piles in the park just where the bluebells grow.

"It used to be that the leaves were swept up and taken to a collection point to rot down and be used as compost but that doesn't appear to be happening at the moment.

"It's particularly worrying as the golf course is treated with chemicals and we don't want the nitrates to harm the bluebells and other plants around the park where the leaves have gathered."

Councillor Mitchell said she would look further into the matter.