GRASS in public areas across Basildon is not being cut.

People in several parts of the district have complained about how untidy it is making their neighbourhoods.

Now the council has given its grass cutting contractor, English Landscapes, until the end of the month to shape up, or the authority will bring in an alternative.

The firm has only been working for the council since late March, after winning a five-year contract worth £1.2million, for grass cutting and hedge pruning.

Resident Patti Young, 75, who has lived in Landermere, Basildon, for about 40 years, said: “It’s an absolute disgrace and everyone’s angry about it.”

Jeanette Anthony, 62, of Biddenden Court, Pitsea, added: “It’s ridiculous, because it’s so long. You can’t even see dog mess, and it looks awful.

“I’ve lived here for 27 years, and it’s never looked this bad – never.”

Before the services were privatised, they were carried out by the council. Phil Rackley, ward member for the St Martin’s ward, said he had warned the council about bringing in an outside firm and thought it would cause trouble.

He said: “It really isn’t good enough. Contractors need to be monitored properly, and you need to get the right balance between cost and quality. A cheaper contract isn’t necessarily the best one.”

The Echo tried to make contact with English Landscapes, but no one was available for comment.

Council tells contractor: Tend to our lawns and hedges
BASILDON Council has warned the district’s grass-cutting firm it is at real risk of losing the service.

The council is waiting to see a recovery plan from English Landscapes, explaining how it will get back on track, and the company’s work is now being monitored by council chiefs.

English Landscapes told the council it is now spending more money on improving its work, and that poor spring weather led to a delay in the first grass cut of the year.

The council has received several complaints about the service since the company took over just three months ago, and the number of complaints is increasing.

Kevin Blake, councillor responsible for leisure and open spaces, said he was aware the firm was having problems.

He said: “Although the council wants to form good working relationships with its service providers, if the current problems are not resolved by the end of this month, we will bring in alternative resources to provide the service.

“Our residents have high expectations from this service. We have built up a good track record over the years, and we are not prepared to let this go.”

Mr Blake would not reveal if the council was in a position to sack the company or terminate the contract.