**Bridgend Council Launches Delayed Grass Cutting Service Following Widespread Resident Concerns**
After weeks of uncertainty and visible overgrowth, Bridgend County Borough Council has finally commenced its seasonal grass cutting operations, much to the relief of local residents who reported grass reaching knee height in public areas across the county. The new initiative, announced by council leader Councillor John Spanswick during a full council session on 25 June 2025, comes after a notable delay attributed to staff training and logistical changes in how the service is delivered.
At the latest council meeting, Councillor Spanswick provided a candid explanation for the postponed works, emphasising that preparations were necessary to ensure newly appointed staff received proper training and qualifications before heading out on the job. “It is a matter that I could scarcely go a day without discussing in recent months,” Spanswick commented, acknowledging the widespread concern from constituents. He confirmed that operational teams are now actively working throughout key urban spaces across the borough.
A spokesperson for the council later elaborated on the revised schedule, clarifying that the late start to this year’s grass cutting efforts was due largely to onboarding new staff. They stated: “The 2025 grass cutting service began slightly later than normal because the council needed to guarantee all staff were fully qualified and ready to undertake the work safely and efficiently.”
Safety has become the council’s initial focus as maintenance begins, especially in high-traffic and pedestrian-heavy areas. The service has set its sights on ensuring clear visibility at junctions and roundabouts, initially targeting 48 sites county-wide. Locations such as the busy A473 Waterton Lane junction and the Pyle to South Cornelly roundabout have been identified as top priorities in the early stages of the work.
To streamline operations and expedite progress, the council plans to divide Bridgend County into two main zones—North and South. Each zone will be assigned two grass cutting teams, with squads designated to the east and west sectors respectively. This structured approach aims to allow each team to follow established routes, thereby maximising efficiency and ensuring no area is overlooked.
The recent issues stem from Bridgend Council’s strategic decision last year to bring the grass cutting service in-house after several years of outsourcing to private contractors, a move that represented a significant shift in operational policy. The transition involved a £300,000 investment in new machinery and equipment, intended to modernise local services and provide greater flexibility going forward.
Despite the current momentum, there is recognition from local officials that the backlog has affected public spaces, with many communities supportive but eager to see regular maintenance resumed. Councillor Paul Davies of Caerau took the opportunity to acknowledge the patience of the public during the recent turbulence. “I want to extend my gratitude to residents for their understanding as we worked to resolve these issues and get back on track with grass cutting schedules,” he said.
Further discussions at the council session included a proposal from Councillor Martin Williams to potentially involve town and community councils in the future delivery of grass cutting, with an offer of interim funding to allow localised services. However, this idea was deferred for further consideration at a later meeting, suggesting the council remains open to exploring alternative models should challenges persist.
As Bridgend’s grass cutting machines whirr to life across parks and roadside verges, the council faces an ongoing test to ensure consistent delivery and public satisfaction, especially as summer brings increased use of outdoor public spaces. Residents will no doubt be watching closely to see if this renewed approach can prevent further issues in future years.
Nonetheless, Bridgend County Borough Council appears committed to learning from recent setbacks, seeking more robust solutions to maintain the county’s green spaces and keep communities accessible, safe, and welcoming for all.