A RESIDENT in Hamworthy has criticised a biodiversity scheme trialled by BCP Council after a community green was “ruined”.

The ‘Let it Grow’ scheme has seen the establishment of grass meadows in open spaces, on roundabouts and verges. Areas of grass have been cut less frequently this year to allow wildflowers to thrive across the conurbation.

However, a resident near a children’s play area in Hewitt Road in Hamworthy has declared it “unplayable” and a petition has been organised.

Viv Double, of Symes Road, told the Daily Echo: “This playground is regularly neglected, every year, but this year it has been completely ruined. The grass is so high that the only game that children could play is hide and seek. It’s unplayable.

“It’s often said that children don’t exercise enough but our council don’t take this into consideration. I’ve seen children now having to play in the road, which is dangerous to say the least."

He added: “I have had a report of one lady living near the playground who picked up a tick and is still very ill. Several dog owners have also mentioned their concerns.

“I believe that this is a cost cutting plan by the council.”

Mr Double, who is disabled and reliant on a mobility scooter, also mentioned that the overgrown green makes dog droppings harder to collect. In addition to the green, Mr Double highlighted that he has been stung by overgrown nettles multiple times when passing through a tight pathway near his home.

BCP Council says that by reducing the frequency of mowing, biodiversity has improved, as have conditions that support a range of plants and wildlife.

A petition to implore the council to rethink the scheme for certain areas has also been started, with all but one of the nearby residents surveyed wanting the grass cut.

In response, Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment, said: “We are aware that our new approach to grass mowing is causing concern amongst some residents. This is a trial and we’re constantly learning from it, undertaking frequent reviews to inform our approach.

“Our plan is to cut all grass in residential areas in August and September once most of the wildflowers have sewn their seeds – including those areas that have just had the edges cut so far this season. This will encourage wildflowers for the following season. We will also review any areas where we’re getting significant feedback from residents to see whether we need to end the trial in certain places.

“This trial offers clear environmental benefits, and we are committed to exploring new ways of working to ensure services are both economically and environmentally sustainable.”