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Â鶹ÊÓƵ is calling for patience as it works to get its grassing cutting schedule back on track.

A combination of factors has led to delays to the service across the Borough.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, said: "While many areas of South Tyneside are looking beautiful and tidy, there are some locations where work is still needed, with residents having noticed that the grass has not been cut as frequently as they would come to expect, particularly on our estates and grass verges.

"We are aware of the concerns raised. This is down to a number of factors, mainly recruitment, the supply of machinery and adverse weather-related issues. It is not uncommon for wet or inclement weather to cause issues to grass cutting services, particularly at this time of year.

"In 2023, the Council entered into new contracts for grass cutting arrangements across the Borough and there have been some start up delays. The good news is that the majority of the roles have been filled and our contractors are pushing forward with their new equipment.

"Right now, we are running a few weeks behind and we anticipate it will take us into July to catch up fully. We would like to reassure residents that we are working closely with our grounds maintenance contractors to address the issues and would appeal for patience while we get back on track to have the Borough looking its best over the summer. Please bear with us."

All grass cutting works are seasonal and on a rolling cycle for cutting or attention, beginning with one grass cut in March, then twice a month thereafter.

The March cut was missed in several areas, with further delays in April.

It is expected that grass cutting will return to normal by July as the weather improves. Contractor staffing levels have also been increased and equipment hired in to assist in the catch up.

The Borough's weed management programme has also started in earnest. Teams are working on the first of three ten-week programmes of treatment. Although there has bene some start up delays in March, nearly 90 per cent of neighbourhoods have been completed, with the first programme of treatment expected to finish on time by the end of May.  

Councillor Gibson said: "While some areas are looking pristine, other parts of the Borough are nearing the end of the first weed management cycle.

"We will get to these remaining locations as soon as we can and finish on target by the end of the month."

Once treated, weeds can take a number of weeks to die back. The Council's street cleansing teams then attend to remove the die back and residue, before the second round of treatment begins in June.

Residents are encouraged to continue reporting any environmental issues online at or to the Council's Customer Contact Centre on (0191) 427 7000.