Preparations are under way to restart limited grass cutting and grounds maintenance activities in Sandwell.
The service was suspended because grounds maintenance staff were needed to assist in vital frontline COVID resilience roles.
Deputy Leader of the Council Councillor Maria Crompton said today that she wanted people to know that staff had been doing very important work while grass cutting was on hold.
She said: “Many of our grounds maintenance staff have been redeployed during the coronavirus crisis to fulfil really vital roles and I’m sure people understand we have had to prioritise.
“They have been supporting key council services including the emergency supplies hub, bereavement & burial services, packing and delivering food to vulnerable people, also delivering supplies to our local food banks.
“Some will have to continue to support those services. However, the council is also determined to get services up and running when and where we can.
“We will be prioritising Health and Safety sites initially including where there may be a safety issue for elderly residents.
“Clearly safety to staff and residents is our absolute priority in any operation going forward and I hope people will continue the great support they have shown for our council workers.”
Councillor Crompton said: “I know a lot of people have been keen to see this service start again and I would like to thank residents for their understanding.
“Grounds and Estate Maintenance officers have worked extremely hard to plan for restarting the service in a way that will meet safety criteria and Trades Unions have also been very supportive in planning the new arrangements.”
