Have-a-go mow warning as councillor cuts roundabout

Councillor Dan Price said he was "hands-on" as he took his own mower to a roundabout in his ward

A no mow warning has been issued after a councillor took matters into his own hands and cut the grass on a roundabout.

Derbyshire County Council and Erewash Borough Council councillor Dan Price took his own lawnmower onto the Cotmanhay roundabout at the junction of Church Street, Skeavingtons Lane, Bridge Street and Cotmanhay Road on Wednesday.

He said: "I am a hands-on councillor. I want to do things differently."

The borough council said it deliberately did not mow the roundabout to encourage wildflowers and boost local wildlife - and asked residents to leave maintenance to its teams.

But Price, the whip for the Reform UK group on the council, said he took action at the site near Ilkeston after "many complaints" at the overgrown island and has said he will carry out more cutting.

In recent years the grass has left to grow longer by Erewash council

He said: "As a father myself, the safety of our children is paramount. Children and parents shouldn't be risking their lives on the school run due to uncut grass.

"Drivers shouldn't need to risk their lives or the possibility of damaging their vehicles whilst using Cotmanhay island."

The island was covered with tall grass and wildflowers with a mown outer circle last August, but the grass had been mown in previous years, when flower displays were planted on the roundabout.

The grass on the roundabout has now been mowed by district and county councillor Dan Price

A borough council spokesperson said: "Like our residents, Erewash Borough Council takes pride in our green spaces – and keeping the area neat, tidy, and safe is our top priority.

"We have changed the way we manage some green areas to encourage wildflowers and boost local wildlife, as well as to ensure council resources are used effectively.

"We appeal to residents to leave the maintenance of public spaces to our council teams – who are specifically trained to achieve a consistent look and maximise public safety."