Highland Council to restart some grass cutting services in strath
Highland Council has announced it is to begin a restricted grass cutting service across the strath and wider region.
All of the work will be carried out in adherence to the national guidelines and with strict social distancing measures in place.
A local authority spokesman said: "Despite significant challenges in terms of staffing, the council is pleased it is in a position to deliver a limited service at this time.
"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 remain closed.
* Limited grass cutting in burial grounds, areas of council housing and in some other open spaces.
The council has said the following grounds maintenance cannot be undertaken at this time:
* maintenance of any rough-cut areas;
* strimming back of daffodil beds;
* maintenance of shrub and flower beds unless it is with herbicide for weed control;
* litter picking of amenity areas; and
* maintenance of old burial grounds and unused sections which are no longer used for burials.
Highland Council vice convener 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 under way, 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.”