Let it Grow scheme backtracked, says BCP Council leader

During a review on Thursday July 29, Cllr Drew Mellor said that several areas in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole would once again be cut following “significant feedback”.

This news comes after the Daily Echo has published numerous reports of residents complaining that the ‘Let it Grow’ scheme had “ruined” local green areas, including residential streets, children’s play areas and cemeteries.

• Read more: 'Grass at cemeteries is growing too fast for us to keep up with it'

‘Let it Grow’ launched in July this year, but it appears the Council are prepared to perform a U-turn on parts of the trial scheme before the original September review date.

• Read more: New council scheme to improve biodiversity

Cllr Mellor said: “Our trial approach to grass management has a lot of benefits, not least the increase in biodiversity across our conurbation which is great. I am also aware that it has created a lot of debate and has become controversial.

“Through our Cleaner, Greener, Safer campaign we are absolutely committed to delivering pride in our place and I realise that not everyone feels that this approach delivers on that commitment. Part of trialling something is to take soundings from those affected, and I’ve heard loud and clear that there are some areas where the trial is not engendering a sense of pride in place.

“Therefore, whilst absolutely supporting this biodiversity project, we will be commencing some cutting in areas where feedback and learning supports this.

“We will continue to review any other areas where we're getting significant feedback from residents to see whether changes in approach is appropriate next year, including the timing of cuts and methods used.”

The Let it Grow trial was set up to establish "grass meadows" in open spaces, on roundabouts and roadside verges to help increase biodiversity.

The Let it Grow scheme has been criticised by residents across the conurbation

Hamworthy resident Viv Double, who spoke to the Echo last month about the “ruined” play area near his home on Symes Road, was pleased by the early review.

• Read more: BCP Council grass scheme draws complaints from locals

He said: “It is essential that play areas are mown regularly so that children and adults can enjoy them. This keeps the children off their video games and gets them out exercising, which is something that we are all encouraged to do.

“Regarding other areas, it must be vital to keep the grass cut when next to houses. A discarded lit cigarette stub is all that is needed to set the long, dry grass on fire and houses will be in danger.

“It hasn't happened yet, locally, but it is an accident waiting to happen.”

In an open letter to the Council, a Bournemouth Civic Society spokesperson said: “We really urge that the former cutting regime is reinstated in prominent and well used public gardens, parks and thoroughfares and the ‘wilding’ is confined to only sustainable natural areas where this approach is appropriate.

“There is so much good work being undertaken by the Council across the conurbation but if the unloved and uncared for image created by unkempt public green areas and graffiti blighted buildings is not reversed, our town will be dragged down.”

The Daily Echo has further approached the Council for specification on which areas will undergo maintenance.