Durham Reform plan to cut litter picking and gardening criticised

Durham County Council’s cost-cutting measures face continued scrutiny from rival political parties ahead of a key vote on its budget in February.

About £3 million worth of savings have been proposed in the neighbourhoods and environment department. 

They include: less weed killing; garden waste fee increases; and a review of household waste recycling centres. Vacancies for ‘lollipop’ school crossing patrol men and women will also not be filled.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Mark Wilkes questioned the council’s rationale for extending grass cutting to two weeks. (Image: Durham County Council)

Reform leaders in charge of the council said the proposed cuts were tabled following advice from service staff. 

The proposals by the local authority are part of £12.941 million worth of cuts next year in a bid to balance its budget.

But Liberal Democrat Councillor Mark Wilkes questioned the council’s rationale for extending grass cutting to two weeks. 

Cllr Wilkes, a former cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “The machinery the council has is not suitable for cutting grass on a longer cycle. Extending the cutting time will result in more grass cuttings on pavements, in gullies and gutters, and a big increase in weeds. 

“There will also be an increase in breakdowns in machinery and an increase in complaints from the public.”

Cllr Wilkes also warned that the changes will not make the £100,000 saving being proposed. 

The member for Framwellgate and Newton Hall said woodland, wildflower meadow and rewilding schemes should be explored by the council. 

He added: “We have over 100 staff across our huge county doing grounds maintenance. Reform’s plan is to lay off less than three per cent of staff but slash grass cutting by a fifth. This is illogical.

“When you add up all of the financial costs that this bonkers cuts decision will make you come to the conclusion it will save no money and that Reform haven’t got a clue what they’re doing.”

Reform said it is committed to delivering an “effective, efficient council that lives within its means”.

Responding to the concerns, deputy council leader Darren Grimes said: “Cllr Mark Wilkes clearly missed that panto season is over with this act of amateur dramatics. 

“These changes aren't political whims; they come directly from our Heads of Service. Our Clean and Green professionals have judged a move from a 10-day to a 12-day cycle to be both pragmatic and smart. We trust the experts who undertake environmental stewardship over a politician looking for a soundbite.

On wildflowers and meadows, we are already doing the legwork. Preparatory work is currently underway to assess where these schemes are viable and to gauge public support. 

“We will continue to take advice from the experts on the ground, not from the boy who cried wolf. Durham deserves a council that prioritises reality over political theatre.”