COUNCIL officers will consult with residents after a number of people raised concerns about areas of long grass that have been allowed to grow to encourage bio-diversity in parts of Darlington.

Residents in Pendleton Road, in the North Road area of the town, said the long grass on an open patch of land to the rear of houses in the street looks scruffy and has been used by dog walkers as an excuse not to clear up after their pets.

Some residents have also reported seeing mice, rats and foxes in the grass and in gardens backing on to the field.

The ward councillors for North Road - Fred Lawton, Alan McNab and Anne-Marie Curry - met with ecology officers from Darlington Borough Council to air their concerns and to ask for the grass to be cut.

The council set up a scheme to introduce meadows to open spaces in Darlington two years ago and added Pendleton Road this summer.

A council spokeswoman said leaflets would be sent to local residents living to give them more information about the scheme and to ask for views about how it could be improved.

Coun Lawton said: “I think this has been introduced too quickly and without any consultation with residents. We are not against bio-diversity but we have to look out for the interests of local people.

“It looks bad at the moment, a lot of people have said it looks scruffy. If we could have this ideal of a meadow with wildflowers then that would be great but it’s not working at the moment.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The scheme encourages the development of meadow areas where wildflowers and wildlife can flourish. It has proved popular with many residents.

“Our officers have met with local residents and ward councillors and listened to their concerns. A map and information leaflet will be produced and distributed.

“We will listen to opinions and adjust the scheme accordingly, looking at such things as improving the mix of wildflowers in some areas, while increasing the play value of the green space in others.”

If residents have concerns about dog fouling they can contact the Street Scene enforcement team on 01325-346831 or email dishthedirt@darlington.gov.uk