Gardens misery after grass mowing ban at flats
They claim they were banned from cutting the grass at the communal gardens on their Black Country estate because of health and safety red tape.
But now residents living in flats on the Yew Tree estate on the border of Sandwell and Walsall are having to live next to an eyesore after the grass grew to 2ft tall.
The outdoor space used to be divided among the six flats at Cypress Gardens as private gardens.
But council bosses decided to make it a communal area around 15 months ago to stop people dangling extension leads from their windows to power their lawn mowers.
Resident Claire Rolfe, a 44-year-old grandmother of six, said: "To me it's a disgrace. My grandchildren come and they can't play in the garden because it's too high. They're telling us they can't use an extension lead because it's too dangerous.
"I'm not bothered the space is now communal I just want them to cut it." Laundry worker Mrs Rolfe said residents in the three-storey apartment block of six flats were sent a letter informing them the council would be taking over responsibility for cutting the grass about two years ago.
But she said she has never seen anyone do it. "Everyone is fed up," she said.
Councillor Mahboob Hussain, cabinet member for town and neighbourhood services said: "It appears that the grass has not been cut due to an amount of dog mess in the area. Letters will be sent out to the surrounding properties.
"This is extremely unpleasant for all those using this communal area and I would urge dog owners who are exercising their pets, to act in a more responsible way as they are spoiling the amenity for all concerned."
