‘We will pay Wakefield council to cut our grass’

Featherstone Town Council took action to make sure Purston Park would not be overgrown when the town’s gala is held there on Saturday, July 4.

Wakefield Council said it would be leaving some grassed areas around the district uncut after being hammered with budget cuts from central government.

The change in grass-cutting policy is expected to save the cash-strapped district council around £125,000 a year.

Featherstone Town Council leader Graham Isherwood said an agreement had been reached to pay the district council to cut the grass in Purston Park for the gala.

Further agreements are expected to be reached to continue the maintenance of other grassed areas in the town. Coun Isherwood said: “We understand that Wakefield Council are having to do this because of the dramatic cuts they are having to make.

“We’ve got our gala on July 4 so we called an emergency meeting.

“The town council has agreed to have the grass cut.

“We’ll be paying Wakefield Council to do it for us.”

Wakefield Council had to cut £81m from its budget over the last four years and faces £38m in savings this year

Last week, South Elmsall Town Council said it would take over some of the town’s grass cutting.

Coun Isherwood said: “Basically we are in exactly the same position as South Elmsall.”

Coun Isherwood said a proposed grass cutting agreement with Wakefield Council would be discussed at the next town council meeting.

Featherstone Gala will be held on Saturday, July 4.

There will be music, fancy dress, funfair rides and sport at the annual event in the town’s Purston Park as charity stalls raise funds for good causes.

The gala, organised by Featherstone Town Council, will include a colourful parade from St Wilfrid’s Catholic High School, on Cutsyke Road, into the town.

There will also be a fancy dress competition for children with the theme of American Independence Day.

There will be three age groups in the contest for children aged under 10, under seven and under five.

Parents should register children for the contest at the town council tent.

For more information call 01977 722654 or log on to www.featherstone-tc.gov.uk