Extra cut following heavy rain

East Sussex County Council usually cut the verges in urban areas five times a year and those in rural areas twice.

But after the UK’s wettest June since records began, the county’s verges have grown at a rapid rate.

This season’s first cut finished recently, and the authority has just started the second.

A third extra cut will start in mid-September.

Each cut covers 2700km of grass verge and takes around 40 days to complete.

Councillor Carl Maynard, lead cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “The extent of the savings we’ve had to make in the last couple of years has been widely publicised and you will appreciate we have to spend our money where it’s most needed.

“Unfortunately this is one area that has been affected, and it is extremely difficult to cut grass only twice a year and for it to look neat and tidy.

“But I’m pleased to be able to respond to residents’ concerns by introducing this extra cut in the autumn.”

For more information, go to www.eastsussex.gov.uk/grasscutting