Moray Council grass-cutters ready for restart
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COUNCIL grass-cutting machines will return to Moray's public spaces from next week.
Last month Moray Council reversed the controversial policy to halt the service, made in February 2019, to shave £98,000 off its annual spend.
Starting with cemeteries and amenity areas on Monday, April 27, lands and parks staff will phase the reintroduction of the service.
The new grass-cutting schedule was due to get under way at the start of April but was halted to allow for council services to restructure as it worked to factor in COVID-19 social distancing measures.
Large areas of grassland, parks and playing fields that can be safely cut with a tractor or ride-on machine to allow for social distancing will also be in the first phase, alongside flood schemes and reservoirs.
Council leader Councillor Graham Leadbitter, said: "The safety of our lands and parks staff and the public using these spaces has been crucial for us in planning the reinstatement of grass cutting at this particular time.
"We believe we can service the areas of most value to people just now – cemeteries, memorials and parks followed by sight-lines and road junctions – while protecting our staff and adhering to social distancing.
"While the advice remains for us to stay at home, we appreciate that some people want to take their daily exercise in their local park. My own experience of this is that people are acting responsibly, watching out for other folk and observing social distancing. It is vital that people continue to do this.
"Cutting the grass in these areas helps provide that exercise space and allows us to keep on top of our planned schedule of maintenance."
Grass cutting, along with all the council's services, is being kept under constant review.
Cllr Leadbitter added: "Our staff are doing a fantastic job of re-designing our services and working through some of the biggest challenges that have been faced by our society in living memory. I can’t thank them enough for that effort and for the public’s support and appreciation of these difficult times."
