All the local authority’s services in this area were suspended in accordance with Government guidance issued on 23 March.
As we head into the growing season, however, the Council has made arrangements for a restricted priority-based grass cutting operation to maintain as many key open spaces as possible across the Stirling area.
Large green spaces, which includes some of the Council’s bigger parks, will be serviced by a single operator tractor mower. This will allow people to continue using these places for exercise once a day in line with regulations on social distancing and Government restrictions.
It should be noted this large machinery will not always be able to cut the entirety of these areas and can’t be used in community green spaces that are normally serviced by mobile teams. Communal facilities within parks, such as playgrounds, sports areas and football pitches also remain closed until further notice.
The Garden Maintenance Service – a measure that supports Council tenants unable to look after their own garden and vulnerable people in the community – will restart and will include communal drying green spaces.
Four principal cemeteries – Logie, St Thomas, Dunblane and Bannockburn – will be maintained on a regular cycle and all other cemeteries will be serviced ahead of a funeral.
Remain accessible for residents
Convener of Stirling Council’s Environment and Housing Committee, Cllr Jim Thomson said: “I’m pleased we have been able to make these temporary arrangements as we move into the growing season, ensuring our key green spaces and other facilities remain accessible for residents during this time of national emergency.
“It’s particularly important people can enjoy their daily exercise locally in our larger parks and greenspaces – though I would urge everyone to keep adhering to the national guidance and social distancing rules in our parks and open spaces.”
Focus on delivering essential services
Vice Convener of the Committee, Cllr Danny Gibson said: “I would like to thank our hardworking staff for putting this alternate provision in place whilst there is significant pressure on resources and strict national guidance is in force.
“During this crisis, we will continue to focus on delivering these essential services to the Stirling public and supporting those most in need. Once restrictions are lifted we will resume our normal grass cutting operation and other services as soon as possible.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone again for their support and understanding in these unprecedented times.”
More information:
The NHS Inform website is producing regularly updated guidance on COVID-19 and we would recommend this as the best resource for the latest information and advice.
For the latest Council updates, service disruptions and community support measures in place, head to this dedicated page on the Stirling Council website.
Residents in need of care, essential supplies or support can contact 01786 404040 and have their requirements formally recorded by Stirling Council’s community response teams. You can also fill in our Support for People online form.