We received an updated cost list from our contractor in Nov 2024, for the 2025 grass cutting season. The costs were expected to be around £3000 extra per annum. After looking at the service for grass cutting that is currently provided, and the existing budget and proposed 2025/26 budget and precept, the EGPA committee made the decision to slightly reduce grass cutting frequencies in certain areas to keep the costs at current levels.
The changes are:
- Cemeteries – 14 to 12 cuts per annum
- Public verge areas – 16 to 12 cuts per annum
- Rec field – 18 to 16 cuts per annum
The council used the feedback comments received from the “Parish Appearance” survey we carried out and noted that there was a general desire for improvements in appearance throughout the entire parish, whether or not the work was currently carried out by the Parish Council or Swindon Borough Council. By maintaining the 2025/26 grass cutting costs the same as the current costs, it is hoped that the council can increase other levels of work across the parish – such as verge and road sweeping and litter picking, etc.
An in-depth review of the feedback received is underway and will be reported back on this platform when complete.