The Council can confirm that it will once again be limiting the cutting back of grass verges and open spaces across the County Borough as part of the ongoing biodiversity strategy.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “The announcement made last summer that we would leave grass verges and areas with wild flowers to grow where possible to do so was very well received and it is clear that there is a public appetite to see this continued and extended going forward.
“Biodiversity forms a key aspect of the Council’s wider green agenda, and we have increased the number of areas left for these purposes over recent years as we recognise the role they play in improving air quality and promoting the growth of local wildlife. As part of this approach, we will be leaving some areas of grass uncut until the autumn when they will be cut and collected. This will enable us to support our pollinators by creating wildlife corridors and provide areas where they can feed, nest and breed. Notice stakes will be placed in the ground at these locations to clearly communicate which areas are being left for these purposes.
“In addition to the visual and environmental benefits that these areas will entail, there is also a cost-reducing element that allows our resources to be directed to other priorities and frontline services.
“Some areas will, however, still need to be cut and maintained more regularly in the interests of public safety, particularly on roundabouts and other key roadside locations where driver visibility could be compromised.
“With the effects of climate change already very visible in our communities, the Council is committed to continuing to take a wide-ranging approach to reducing its carbon footprint and has already achieved a 37% reduction over the last five years with plans to expand and develop this going forward to meet our target of being a carbon neutral organisation by 2030.”