Grass cutting season to begin early for council

Surrey County Council says it has invested £1.5m in its grass cutting programme

Grass cutting is to begin earlier than normal in public areas of Surrey, according to a council.

Surrey County Council said it was starting its programme in the week beginning 17 February, three weeks early, "to keep pedestrians and drivers safe".

The authority announced it was investing an additional £1.5m to "reliably and resiliently deliver grass cuts across the county".

Matt Furniss, cabinet member for highways, said he recognised grass cutting and weed control had been "a concern" for some residents and that the "delivery of this had fallen short of expectations".

The first two cuts for every Surrey district and borough will take place from February to April this year, with the remaining cuts to follow in October, the council said.

The programme would "enhance the overall appearance of the public highway", according to a council spokesperson.

Mr Furniss said: "We have tripled our resources and have changed some of our contractors to ensure we are delivering a better service.

"Our full programme of works will also include cutting back vegetation, hedge clearing, sign cleaning, weed control and removing detritus from pavements to clean up the highway network and get Surrey in a better place for spring."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.