In the past few weeks, many readers have been in touch about various sites in our area that have become, overgrown, annoying, or just plain impassable.

From local cemeteries to footpaths that lead in to town, with the recent heatwave and endless downpours we have experienced ever since, it seems some of our green spaces are out of control. Others, however, have been left far longer.

Perhaps this is part of ‘rewilding’ our local landscape, essential for pollinators – how important, after all, is it that we have perfectly manicured green spaces and at what cost for overstretched resources in a vastly different landscape as we navigate a worldwide pandemic and its far-reaching consequences?

Westfield’s pit path that leads to Midsomer Norton is one such area that has become ‘wild’ – resident Alison Davis has been in touch with The Journal to say: “Myself and many other residents of the area frequently use this path on a daily basis. We have phoned and reported this to the Council, which each time has assured us that this will be dealt with as a priority, but unfortunately months have passed with still no-one completing this task.

“We are all very frustrated with no support from B&NES Council. It is a busy path which people use to walk to work every day, or go to the local shops, dog walkers, cyclists, and vulnerable people with mobility aids – and just general use to get outside. Many people have been stung by nettles and find it impossible to pass other people safely. We, as a community, feel very disappointed and let down – I’m hoping with your help by raising awareness the Council may take note and realise how important it is to keep footpaths clear.”

This issue can sometimes be complex, with Council staff shortages, money tight, and often patches of land with ownership disputed and responsibility unknown.

Some of the residents at Charlton Park, Midsomer Norton, are getting lost amongst the undergrowth. A piece of land, which seemingly belongs to no one, is also causing an issue.

Historically used as an area for children to play, it is now knee high in long grass which some are saying is a health hazard with hidden dog waste and ticks.

Paul Myers, Midsomer Norton North Ward Councillor for B&NES, has a long history with this site, even managing to purchase a lawnmower for residents to take care of the disputed area. He told The Journal: “The situation with this piece of ‘no person’s land’ is exasperating and the cause lies back in the mists of time when the estate was built. I would begin by thanking the member of the public who for many years solved the problem by simply cutting the grass with a mower

provided through a Town Council grant.

“Now another solution has to be found and I don’t see how B&NES can justify simply putting their fingers in their corporate ears and ignoring the situation – no matter how short of money they are. When it boils down to it, B&NES cut this piece of grass when they didn’t have a legal obligation to do so for years and it was only when money got tighter that they refused to carry on.

“Sadly, even with all their resources and the fact that they cut the grass right next to it, I can’t see them

budging. It’s been argued that the Town Council should do it but that would mean a special contract for someone different to go and cut that single patch.

“At the end of the day, given B&NES’ stance, the only way out of this if the local residents are not

willing to pick up the grass cutting mantle again as a solution, is for a use to be found for the land. But then, as we discovered before – local residents may then find the problem of looking out on long grass being replaced with something much more unpalatable.”

So, what do you think? Do you believe money should be spent on keeping areas tidy and verges clear? Or does a bit of rewilding really matter? Should Town or Parish Councils have more involvement? Would the money be better spent on other services that may be struggling, more necessary or even

essential? And would this be happening in Bath?

Editor: PS. Please do not get in touch with us about further overgrown areas – we’re unable to report on or fix them all! Contact Council Connect: Phone: 01225 39 40 41 Email: [email protected] Twitter:

@ccbathnes