Clydebank residents put hand in pocket to get grass cut

Residents of Auckland Place in Clydebank feared the local kids were in danger of being bitten by ticks amongst the overgrown grass in the patch on the square outside their homes.

Last week, the Clydebank Post reported how frustrated residents across the local authority urged West Dunbartonshire Council to rethink plans to cut back grass-cutting service on open spaces, parks and sports fields.

As part of March’s budget, councillors agreed to reduce the maintenance of green space in the region in a bid to save £460,000 as part of the £14.7 million financial shortfall, down from £21m.

And, after repeated requests from those living in and around Auckland Place to have the grass cut, locals decided to resolve the issue themselves and get someone else to cut it for them.

Diane White, who sought help from a landscaping friend because she fears for the safety of her grandchildren, told the Post during a visit: “I canny have the weans on that grass.

Before (left) and after (right) a private contractor cut the council-owned land (Image: Tom Grant)

“I had to tell the wee one off, I said to him – ‘do not go onto that grass,’ – and he got dead upset.”

A neighbour of Diane’s, who did not want to be named, explained the job was done in no time at all and questioned why it is so difficult for the council to upkeep local authority land.

He said: “For all the time it took the guy to cut it last night, it took 20 mins to half an hour.

“So, what’s the problem?”

Both neighbours insist they will delve into their pockets again if the grass needs cut in a few weeks and the council continue to refuse to help them out.

The residents worry they will have to continue to fork out to get the grass cut as the council won't do it (Image: Tom Grant)

Diane added: “We are going to have to, or we will have to put the weans out the front.”

A WDC spokesperson told the Post: "Following a budget meeting in March when the Council had to take steps to close a £21million funding gap, a review of grounds maintenance was undertaken.

"As such, changes to the frequency of grass cutting have been introduced, as well as a reduction in open space cutting, which will save the Council £460,000 each year.

"Teams will continue to maintain all open space edges around paths and near properties, and these areas will be litter picked as required.

"A programme to ensure the appearance of these areas is maintained is being developed, with planned planting of specimen trees, flowering bulbs and sowing wildflower seeds."