A COUNCIL has faced a backlash after asking residents to “help out” by mowing grass verges or open areas near their home.

Following cuts to Darlington Borough Council’s grounds maintenance team, the authority has been trying to encourage residents to get involved in clearing litter – and now in maintaining open spaces – in their communities.

But it faced criticism last weekend after posting on social media: “If you’re mowing your lawn why not help out by cutting grass verges or other public spaces near your home? Thank you #ourstreets.”

The council has saved £160,000 by reducing its maintenance team by 23 per cent, from 22 full-time posts and eight summer grass cutting extras, to 19 full-time and four extra summer staff.

This team is responsible for all grass cutting in parks, open spaces, grass verges and council housing land, as well as hedge trimming, weed clearance, leaf removal, planting and other grounds maintenance.

The authority has reduced its grass cutting from every 12 to 15 days to every 25 to 30 days, weather permitting.

But residents were unimpressed by being asked to mow their local grass verges, with many asking why they paid their council tax and complaining that they had to pay for grass cuttings to be picked up.

One Twitter user said: “I’m going to wash my car later, why not drop a bin wagon round and I’ll do that whilst I’m on?” Another said: “Maybe I should work on reception in the town hall too?”

Others complained about the state of the pavements and potholes, questioned how much councillors were paid, and complained that business rates were too high.

Darlington is not the first local authority to try to reduce its maintenance, with North Yorkshire County Council passing on responsibility for “aesthetic cuts” to its town and parish councils, and some were carried out on a voluntary basis within those communities.

It said “safety” grass cuts, such as those at junctions and on walking routes to school, were still carried out by the council.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said: “As a result of cuts to the council’s budget from government last year we are simply not able to do as much as we once did.”

The council said people could find out more about helping out by visiting darlington.gov.uk/litter pick