Residents have raised concerns that damage to a grass verge is bringing down the look of Westhoughton.

Cllr David Chadwick for Westhoughton South says that he was first told about the damage on The Hoskers last week, after several residents made him aware.

Many have said that it now looks a mess, and residents usually take pride in keeping the area tidy.

Cllr Chadwick said: “Last week I was notified by several residents about damage to this verge on The Hoskers.

“There are some residents across that stretch who take the lawnmower to cut the grass.

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“There is a certain pride in certain parts of the area, where residents like to keep it neat and tidy.”

It will be a few weeks now until work can start on the verge, due to the soil being soggy and weather conditions.

Cllr Chadwick has since reported the issue to the council for urgent investigation, and an officer has visited the site.

Cllr Chadwick added: “I reported the issue to the council for urgent investigation and one of their officers has attended site.

“This may be within a few weeks and will be monitored to ensure it is put right.”

The grass verge will soon be levelled off and reseeded.

Grass verges and open spaces are usually cut by the council once a month between April and October, whilst many larger areas not used for sport are now left uncut.

In other parts of the borough residents have tried to leave grass verges untouched and have planted wildflowers to improve the biodiversity and the look of the community.

Last year Horwich resident Liz Turner-Allen, created a petition calling for the grass verges to be left alone and for wildflowers to be planted after noticing a decrease in bees and butterflies, and suitable habitats, including forage and nesting or breeding sites, in her area.

In December 2021 volunteers from the Green Crew in Over Hulton created a 300m long, 1m wide daffodil display by planting more than 2,000 bulbs.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.