RESIDENTS have branded a council decision to not cut the grass near their houses for three years as ‘a disgraceful act’.

The grass, in Peel Close, Blackburn, has now grown to over five feet tall and has prompted anger from nearby householders.

They have accused Blackburn with Darwen Council of bowing to government pressure and not taking their responsibilities in the area seriously.

Paul Greaves, 28, a father-of-three who lives in the close, said: “It’s disgraceful that the council has not bothered to cut this grass for so long.

“Children used to play on the land before 2010, and now it’s a health hazard and an eyesore.”

He added: “They blame cuts and lack of funding, but how much does it really cost to tend to the area a few times a year.”

Alan Wilson, 56, who also lives in the close, said: “It’s such a shame that the council has not chosen to look after the land for so many years.

“It spoils the view, and also means that kids have to play in the street, instead of on the grass.”

Coun Jim Smith, executive member for environment, said: “This was a route formerly tend- ed to by our tractor six times a year but, since 2010 we have been unable to due to the mass-ive cuts we have had to our budget, making it impossible to cut grass in all the same areas as we did before.

“It’s unfortunate and I symp-athise with local residents who were used to the area being cut.

“I fully encourage them to use the other green areas nearby, including the Manxman play area and football pitch, the play area on Peel Close, and the River Darwen Parkway.”