News

Seaton Valley Community Council has received a number of enquiries regarding grass cutting across the area and would like to provide residents with an update on the current arrangements.

The majority of public grass cutting throughout Seaton Valley remains the responsibility of Northumberland County Council (NCC).

Seaton Valley Community Council (SVCC) previously contributed funding through a partnership arrangement intended to provide an enhanced level of grass cutting above NCC’s core service.

During recent years, the distinction between the enhanced service funded by SVCC and the core service provided by NCC became less clear in practice. As part of its review, the Council considered whether continued investment in the arrangement represented the best use of public funds when balanced against increasing demands on its own frontline services, facilities and community assets.

Members subsequently resolved to focus available resources on assets and services under SVCC’s direct control.

Residents should therefore continue to report grass cutting concerns relating to public open spaces and highway verges directly to Northumberland County Council via:

• FixMyStreet – Northumberland County Council

or

• NCC Customer Service Centre – 0345 600 6400.

Partnership Agreement Continues

SVCC continues to work in partnership with NCC to support local environmental services. The revised agreement focuses on services which provide a direct and visible benefit to residents and Council facilities and community assets, including:

• Street sweeping and environmental cleansing.
• Monthly deep cleaning of bus shelters.
• Fortnightly inspections of Council play areas.
• Responsive reporting and liaison regarding environmental issues affecting the area.

This approach allows NCC to continue managing its core services, including grass cutting, while enabling SVCC to direct resources towards local priorities such as play areas, allotments, bus shelters, floral displays, community events, litter bins and other community assets.

The Council remains committed to working with NCC to maintain and improve the local environment while ensuring public funds are used effectively and deliver the greatest value and benefit for residents.