Grassroots anger at verges eyesore

It's a case of the grass is always greener for frustrated residents in Tockholes, who want to see the eyesores removed by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

According to some, the council should be doing a better job, as overgrown grass takes over the landscape near The Rock pub and along Tockholes Road.

Colin Berry, 41, of Lower Crow Trees Farm, off the main road, said: "The grass is not being cut to any sort of reasonable standard and in my area the drains are being blocked by it because it's not being cleared up when it is cut.

"The verges were cut for the first time this season last week but it still looks a mess and all the grass has blown into the drains. It's a real eyesore and I've contacted the council about it three times and nothing's been done."

Ethel Bennett, 75, of Greenway Street, who visits the area frequently, said: "It's in an awful state at the moment and it's in a really bad way. I wish something could be done about it to clear it up."

John Bradley of Tockholes Road, said: "The area past the pub is quite bad but we'd like to see more flowers on the embankment near the motorway because it's looking rather bare."

Sue Gleave of Tockholes Road, said: "I think the grass is being cut too early because there is never enough time to let the wild flowers grow. But when it is cut, it should be cut properly, taking the grass with them."

Councillor Jean Rigby, North Turton with Tockholes ward, said: "We are aware of the problem and hopefully the council workers will be on scene this week to cut the verges again.

"The grass has gone beserk at the moment and something needs to be done because it detracts from the area. Flagging around the area would be an option but we will need to look into that."

The council revealed it had received a complaint about the grass cuttings.

Peter Hunt, director of direct services, said: "We explained to the gentleman that it is not the council policy to remove grass cuttings."