Council hits back in row on verges

COUNCIL bosses have been accused of shifting the blame onto residents for the ‘appalling’ state of grass verges in Sidemoor.

Coun Chris Bloore, who represents the ward on Bromsgrove District Council, hit out at the authority and Worcestershire County Council for neglecting the neighbourhood and said residents felt as if no-one was prepared to spend money maintaining the area.

He said the state of grass verges lining the streets, particularly in King George Close, was unacceptable and was also angry council chiefs were trying to pin the blame on residents for parking their cars on them.

“If people parked on the road it would be blocked with no emergency access. The estate was built during a time when two cars per family were unheard off,” Coun Bloore added.

The grass verges are vital for soaking up rain water preventing flooding however Coun Bloore said if they could not be removed completely, in favour of dropped curbs, they should be replaced by a mixed surface such as grasscrete.

“We need to address the parking and drainage problems which are having such a detrimental effect,” he added.

“Enough is enough. Residents simply deserve better. They feel the councils don’t want to spend money in Sidemoor.”

A spokesman for Bromsgrove District Council said inspectors checked the verges last week and confirmed they had been cut and maintained but some parts were worn due to car parking.

Worcestershire County Council - responsible for highways - advised residents not to park on the verges.

“These are not constructed for vehicular use - there could be apparatus under the surface which could become damaged,” a spokesman added.

“We are unable to fund the provision of vehicle parking areas.”

The spokesman added residents were entitled to apply for dropped curbs outside of their homes however it would be at their own cost and would have to be approved by the county council.

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