Open Spaces

This page gives details about the maintenance of open spaces, trees and highway verges in the borough.

Open spaces

Throughout 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. This is maintained by Leicestershire County Council. The majority of other grassed areas are open spaces maintained by us. For more information contact Client Services using the contact panel on the left.

Trees

We have a large number of trees in parks, on open spaces, at the golf course, in cemeteries and closed churchyards. We also have three spinneys in Oadby. These vary from newly planted areas to large, mature trees.

The stock of trees are maintained by grounds maintenance. Specialist contractors are used for larger jobs that involve aerial work within the tree canopy. There is a programme for 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. 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.

The standard for cutting the grass on highway verges is for nine cuts per year. However, to maintain the quality, residents have said they would like to see the borough fund an additional six cuts. This would result in the grass being cut approximately every two weeks. As the growing season lengthens the number of cuts required is being reviewed.