Summary
This page outlines the maintenance of open spaces, trees and highway verges in the Borough.
Open Spaces
Through out the Borough there are numerous open spaces maintained by us. These are largely grass areas either within housing developments or near highways. The grass areas vary in size from a few square meters to several thousand square meters.
As a guide, if a grass area is between the highway and public footpath it forms part of the Highway Verge and is maintained by Leicestershire County Council| [external link]. The majority of other grassed areas are open spaces maintained by us. For more information contact Client Services| or telephone Leicester (0116) 288 8961.
Trees
The Council has a large number of trees in parks, on open spaces, at the golf course, in cemeteries and closed churchyards. We also have 3 spinneys in Oadby. These vary from newly planted areas to large mature trees.
The stock of trees are maintained by grounds maintenance who call in specialist contractors for larger jobs that involve aerial work within the tree canopy. There is a rolling programme of inspecting the trees to ensure that, as far as is reasonably practicable, they are safe. This work is carried out by a qualified arboriculturalist who reports back to grounds maintenance and all identified works are carried out.
Trees growing on the highway verge, or in footpaths, are maintained by Leicestershire County Council.
Highway Verges
Since 2003 all highway verges are maintained by Leicestershire County Council| [external link]. As a guide, if a grass area is between the highway and public footpath it forms part of the highway verge.
The standard for cutting the grass on highway verges is for 9 cuts per year, however to maintain the quality residents have said they would like to see the Borough fund an additional 6 cuts resulting in the grass being cut approximately every 2 weeks. As the growing season lengthens the number of cuts required is being reviewed.