Limited grass cutting to resume in Highland with adherence to physical distancing

11th May 2020

Highland Council has announced it is to begin a restricted grass cutting service across the region.

Despite significant challenges in terms of staffing, the local authority is pleased it is in a position to deliver a limited service at this time.

All work will be carried out in adherence to the national guidelines on what are essential services, and with strict social distancing measures in place.

By commencing this limited service members of the public should not interpret this as any lifting of the lock down requirements. The services permitted focus mainly on mowed grass and include:

Essential maintenance on the roadside, roundabouts and verges where there may be a road safety issue.

Grass cutting in parks to enable people to take their daily exercise. Play parks are to remain closed.

Limited grass cutting in burial grounds, areas of Council housing and in some other open spaces.

The following non-essential grounds maintenance cannot be undertaken at this time:

Strimming activities.

Maintenance of any rough-cut areas.

Strimming back of daffodil beds.

Maintenance of shrub & flower beds, unless it is with herbicide for weed control.

Litter picking of amenity areas.

Maintenance of old burial grounds and unused sections, which are no longer used for burials.

Vice Convener of Highland Council, Councillor Alan Henderson, said: "The Council is grateful to communities undertaking grass cutting and strimming works to prevent deterioration of the amenity in their areas. This is appreciated now the growing season is underway, of course communities must assess the risks of carrying out this task, and adhere to Scottish Government COVID-19 guidance at all times particularly on social distancing."