Row over ‘out of control’ grass in Darwen (From Blackburn Citizen)

Row over ‘out of control’ grass in Darwen

7:00pm Wednesday 24th June 2009

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RESIDENTS have hit out after a patch of grass was allowed to grow out of control.

People living near the land off Jacks Key Drive say it looks a mess and have complained to the town hall.

But Blackburn with Darwen council bosses say they do not know who owns it and refuse to cut it as they are not responsible.

This is despite residents claiming the council has cut the grass in the past.

One resident said: “The council has cut the grass next to the cemetery and at the entrance to the estate since it was built.

“It is really high now and is an area usually used by local children to play football or cricket at this time of year.

“Basically no one has notified the residents and the grass has just been allowed to grow.”

Residents have met coun-cillors in recent weeks, who have asked council officers to look into the issue.

Lib Dem ward member Karimeh Foster, who repres-ents Whitehall area, said: “It is a mess, and as a councillor it is my responsibility to make sure the job is done.

“These people pay council tax, and they have a right to live in a decent environment.

“I am on their side – and it will be sorted.”

Fellow Lib Dem Simon Huggill, lead member for resources, added: “I am in touch with senior officers who are looking at it and we are waiting for them to report back.”

It is believed the land may still be owned by a housing developer who should be responsible for its upkeep, but nothing definite has been decided.

It could also be unadopted, which would also take it out of the town hall’s remit.

Tory Coun Alan Cottam, responsible for regeneration and environment, said: “We may have cut it in the past but ultimately it is the landowner’s responsibility to cut it and maintain it.”

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