I received a high number of complaints from local residents in New Addington on Saturday, who are concerned at the height and look of Grass Verges in the local area.
I fully support the need to encourage wild flowers across the country, this effort is vital to support local wildlife such as Butterflies, and of course Bees! However, it needs to be balanced with safety and of course the look this overgrown grass creates for the area. In the photo attached, you can see the scale of the issue, with the grass being taller than the bin in the photo.
Grass in places was waist height, this does not create a nice look for the area. In New Addington, concerns were raised by dog walkers also, who said to me that the grass is too tall for their dogs to go through currently, with the added danger of seeds being embedded in to the dogs ears for example. In addition, concerns were raised that it is increasingly difficult to see what obstacles are within the grass!
I have raised these issues with Council Officers on behalf the local community in New Addington, and have enquired what more can be done to ensure a better balance is found between environmental benefits and safety for the community, including dogs, with Grass Verges across New Addington, and Croydon as a whole!
Please let me know at [email protected] of other areas of Grass Verges that need the Council's attention, and I will raise them it on your behalf.
Thank you.
Cllr Scott Roche
Shadow Cabinet Member for Sustainable Croydon.
