Fury in 'overgrown' Whitleigh as woman left covered in ticks

There appears to be one issue in Whitleigh that's causing quite a stir, yet no-one appears to be listening say fed-up locals.

Residents in the area, which falls under the Plymouth Moor View constituency, are concerned about a number of hyperlocal matters but long, untidy grass is one of the main gripes.

PlymouthLive has been talking to voters ahead of the crunch General Election on July 4 - and whilst there's plenty of chatter about Brexit, the rise of Reform UK, the spiralling cost of living and whether the mainstream parties have what it takes to improve prospects for all, residents of Whitleigh feel their concerns about overgrown areas and the general look of their proud community are not being heard. And that could shape how they vote when the polls open.

Verges and roadsides across Plymouth are being left to grow during the summer months to help conserve bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects - but some in Whitleigh believe the wild look brings the place down, whilst others suspect the problem stems from financial issues. The council meanwhile has a grass cutting guide which explains that there's a strategy in place for the vast amount of land it maintains every year and that looking after nature is a huge consideration.

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Faith Jordan, who has lived in the Whitleigh area for 35 years, says she is “getting covered in ticks and midges” on her daily walks. The 80-year-old said: “I shouldn’t have to keep forcing my way through it. It’s just not on.”

Alan Fuggle said the unruly grass is a common concern for him and his neighbours. The retiree said: “people see the overgrown grass and have started chucking things, they don't care. Untidiness makes more untidiness.”

Mr Fuggle said he has seen a huge increase in littering in Whitleigh and has found rubbish, including an old hoover, in the overgrown areas.

Likewise, landlord Martin Hart said "people don't care about dropping litter if it’s untidy. I’m always picking up bottles and cans.” Mr Hart added: “it’s not for wildlife, it’s because they don’t want to do it.”

Mr Hart said the grass by his house was trimmed last September - but claims workers didn't clear up after themselves. He also discussed his concern for safety on some pathways at night, as the overgrown vegetation covers streetlights and blocks the view, especially around corners. Mr Hart said “you must keep your wits about you.”

Facebook users have also voiced their concerns about this topic, as one woman grumbled; “it looks awfully scruffy. I look out and see nothing but grass.”

Leesa Hambly, another Facebook user, wrote: “some of the areas are dangerous for drivers. They say it’s for nature which I totally understand but keep those areas in one place. It all looks a mess everywhere you go.”

One man has taken the issue into his own hands. Laurence Burns said: “I keep the borders cut in our area which is all the council needs to do.

“They say it's for nature but I believe it's realistically due to funding.” Many Whitleigh residents say they have complained about the overgrown grass, which has now become not just an eyesore but a safety hazard and has caused upset throughout the community.

How does Plymouth City Council manage grass areas?

Council teams manage around 1,000 football pitches worth of council-owned land across Plymouth. This includes sports pitches, parks, play areas, wildlife meadows, roadside verges and community spaces.

The council in a thorough online guide about its grass cutting processes says it trims back areas between March and September but not every grass area needs the 'same cutting regime'.

It adds: "Grass that is not used for sport or recreation will not receive full cuts and will be managed for nature instead. We are working with nature, sometimes the cutting cycle can start earlier or later during the year depending on ground and weather conditions."

How grass is cut

• Grass that is used for recreation is cut on a regular close-mow cycle

• sports pitches are cut on a suitable cycle to maintain conditions for play in season.

• areas of grass that are not used for recreation or sport are we will let the area naturalise and the grass grow longer.

The council says grass banks and verges are more use to insects and wildlife than they are to people.

"We will keep edges tidy on these areas by mowing a managed edge," the grass guide adds. "We also have over 100 enhanced wildlife meadows across the city."

Have your say: email your opinions to isobella.taylor@reachplc.com