Concerns have surfaced about the state of Cheltenham’s grass cutting this summer, with some residents describing the town’s green spaces as “exceedingly neglected” due to what they consider a “very poor standard” of maintenance.
Former mayor Anne Regan voiced her concerns in a written question to Cheltenham Borough Council leaders on July 20, highlighting issues such as clumps of dead grass left along roadsides, potential risks to blocked drains, and ornamental grass areas in Warden Hill growing up to two feet tall and being left uncut. She also noted unpruned epicormic growth around trees on Gloucester Road and Lansdown Road, which she said contributes to the town’s untidy appearance.
In response, Liberal Democrat councillor Steve Harvey, responsible for parks, gardens, and public open spaces, rejected the notion that the town looks neglected. He pointed to the particularly challenging weather conditions this year—a combination of heavy rainfall followed by extended hot and dry spells—that have made grass cutting more difficult.
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“We all know from our own gardens how tricky this is to manage, especially on a borough-wide scale,” said Cllr Harvey. He expressed gratitude to the Ubico staff working under these tough conditions to maintain standards as best as possible.
Cllr Harvey explained that the first grass cut of the season is typically untidier because the grass is longer. Efforts are made to coordinate street sweeping after cuts, but sometimes resources must be diverted to higher priorities, such as clearing roads at risk of flooding.
Regarding specific concerns about verges in Hatherley and Warden Hill, officers have confirmed these areas are currently cut to the correct height. Taller dried grasses and flowering weeds are scheduled to be strimmed as part of the summer maintenance program.
Some uncut areas, such as locations in Broad Oak Way, Symphony Road, and Chargrove Lane, may be wildflower or meadow zones intentionally managed to support local biodiversity. These areas are often left uncut for portions of the year to protect ecosystems and allow spring bulbs to flourish.
On the issue of epicormic growth around trees, Cllr Harvey clarified that Gloucestershire Highways oversees this maintenance, not the Borough Council. He also noted that this year’s unusual weather may have influenced decisions regarding shade and tree root protection.
Highlighting the benefits of leaving some grass uncut, Cllr Harvey observed that longer grass supports soil health, plants, ecosystems, and trees—an important consideration as climate change impacts become more evident.
He confirmed that mechanically sweeping of gateway routes into Cheltenham continues regularly, maintaining standards despite equipment breakdowns, staff shortages, and weather-related challenges. Grass verges have been cut approximately every 25-30 days this year, taking into account factors such as bulb planting which restricts early cutting in some areas.