Councillors have been warned how to handle complaints about grass cutting – and not to assume any that is unsightly or overgrown is the responsibility of Fenland Council.

“An issue that occurs regularly, particularly on social media, is where residents think FDC is doing a bad job, when actually the land belongs to another party,” says a newsletter from council bosses sent to local councillors.

“Please bear this in mind if you do have residents getting in touch. Clearly FDC is responsible for many grass areas, but every complaint may not relate to Fenland Council land.”

“It is that time of the year again – the grass is now growing very rapidly and I’m sure you will have noticed in your own garden that you need to be out there cutting it regularly,” says the briefing notes.

“ISS World, FDC’s grounds maintenance contractors, has pre-planned grass cutting rounds in place and has been cutting since April and continues working their way across the district.

“We do not have a reactionary service, so the grass is cut to a particular frequency and, where there is rapid growth, the grass will appear long until the teams arrive at that location.

“ISS is very aware that grass is a sensitive matter and annually we receive many comments regarding grass during the first flush of growth. Please be assured that ISS is working to ensure rounds are completed as planned and Bob Ollier (the parks manager) is working closely with the contractor monitoring their performance.”

The briefing note mentions a break in suffered by ISS World at their local compound when a large grassing cutting machine was stolen.

“ISS World are awaiting for a replacement large grass cutting machine to be delivered following the theft of the previous unit,” says the briefing note.

“Whilst they have other units cutting the grass, this missing unit is useful for larger areas. I am informed that this will be in Fenland this week and it will further aid the cutting rounds.”