CONTRACTORS working flat out to catch up with grass cutting across the district following ‘No Mow May’ have been receiving verbal abuse.
This was the first time that Warwick District Council committed to the national ‘Plantlife’ scheme, which saw mowing suspended in many areas in May – a key time for the nurturing of plants and insects.
The move follows the declaration of an ecological emergency last year and is in line with many other local authority areas across the country.
However, the cold weather in the early spring combined with a warm May meant that the volume and scale of the workload when cutting was resumed on June 5 was far greater than anticipated, with crews also facing a number of mechanical issues.
And as progress has been much slower than the green spaces team would have wished, their aim is to prioritise areas where there are safety concerns, such as road junctions and communal areas.
As part of a review of the scheme, residents were invited to take part in a survey for which more than 4,200 responses have been received.
WDC neighbourhood spokesperson Coun Will Roberts said: “We fully understand the frustration of members of our local community, that many areas have remained uncut at the end of June, a situation that we hope to have fully resolved in the next couple of weeks.
“However, there is no doubt that taking part in ‘No Mow May’ has provided a much-needed boost for wildlife with the plants and wildflowers providing an important food source for pollinating insects at this crucial time of year.
“Nevertheless, we have learned many lessons this year and will be taking on board the advice and feedback we have received from the public comments and survey results as we make our plans for 2024.
“It’s also deeply concerning that our hard-working teams are facing an increasing amount of verbal abuse. Warwick District Council operates a zero-tolerance approach to violence and aggression, verbal and physical abuse or threats towards all staff and contractors, which may result in action being taken and in extreme cases Warwickshire Police involvement. Our message therefore is to be kind to the crews, they are doing their best and if forced to leave a site their job will take even longer.”
Further updates and information on No Mow May can be found at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/nomowmay
