'Tax reduction surely?' Anger as council 'bans' grass cutting for the whole of May

Bradford City Council has sparked outrage among some residents after declaring a city-wide forbearance on grass cutting throughout May. The announcement, made via social media, revealed plans to halt mowing lawns and green spaces in order to allow insects the opportunity to pollinate and support the food chain.

According to the council's post, 37 parks, 118 leisure grounds, 25 cemeteries, and 85 other sites within Bradford will be left untrimmed during May. Additionally, two parks will be left in their natural state until July to promote wildflower growth.

However, this decision hasn't gone down well with some local taxpayers who were unaware of the 'No Mow May' initiative. The council stated, "We are letting the grass grow for No Mow May. This provides food for pollinators and helps lock away carbon underground. No Mow May is a national campaign by conservation charity Plantlife."

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Conservation group Plantlife highlights that the UK has lost around 97% of its meadows since the 1930s, indicating a decline in food sources for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

This reduction of habitats has reportedly led to a 60% decrease in insect populations over the past twenty years, according to naturalist Sir David Attenborough. As many types of produce rely on pollination for growth, the decline of these insects could potentially impact our ability to grow food, reports The Express.

This novel initiative has prompted inquiries from a handful of residents about potential council tax refunds. Dave Hurt expressed his frustration, saying: "Must be a reduction in council tax surely for one month less mowing and sugden end tip closure? Not quite! Standard 4.99 percent increase year on year."

Becky Davey questioned the financial aspect with a touch of irony: "I have heard it all now! So do we get 'No Pay May' on our council tax?" Allison Louise Hewitt raised an environmental concern: "If that's the case can you stop them from putting weedkiller down too I had lots of lovely wild flowers growing last year till someone from the council sprayed."

However, there was support for the initiative as well. Jan Evans-Platt praised the move: "Yay this is fabulous gives our pollinators a chance..loved it last year seeing all the little beasties. Although sadly some areas have been mown this year,maybe by residents."

She added her own suggestion: "I'd leave all the verges and seed with wild flowers beautiful". Shaun Wheatcraft shared his approval: "Canal tow path between Saltaire and Hirst Wood looks great. It would look even better if the edges were seeded with native wildflowers."

Jonathan Wadsworth commended the council: "Good on you guys. Thank you for doing your bit for biodiversity." Tammy Gore pointed out the positive impact of the initiative: "This isn't the first year and it's a great thing to do it's literally for one month and the impact is huge. They still mow the path ways and all the bees butterflies other insects and birds love it."