Bradford Council is reviewing ‘No Mow May’ after complaints of weeds and overcrowded parks

“Can the portfolio holder for healthy people and places outline the council’s approach to managing green spaces and how we can ensure that individual areas are managed to better reflect how they are used by the public? Can local councilors contribute to this process as we are well placed to facilitate discussions with our constituents and know our communities well?’ he asked.

Councilor Jeanette Sunderland added that she had received complaints about plants growing on the sidewalks. She said she supported the scheme but “it has also led to complaints, particularly when the first cutting is done and the cuttings litter the pavements or where plants grow on the pavement, causing difficulties”.

A response from the council said: “No Mow May is a grassroots initiative which has many benefits for biodiversity and creating a sustainable district.

“We have developed the initiative further this year, but we recognize that improvements still need to be made.

“We agree that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work in the district and we are creating a strategic plan in consultation with area committees for venues for next year’s No Mow May which involves less clean-up, allowing more time to focus on mowing other areas.

“As we have seen this year, the knock-on effect of No Mow May can be substantial, depending on how quickly the areas grow, and then specialist equipment may be needed to cope with the additional growth.”