GRASS areas which are too steep to be cut by Scottish Borders Council workers for health and safety reasons have become “unsightly jungles”, it was claimed last week.

And while the council is in talks with the private sector in a bid to find a solution, it is unlikely any action will be taken this summer.

At Thursday’s full council meeting Councillor Stuart Marshall (Ind) said the overgrown state of these public areas “sends out the wrong message to our residents and visitors”.

“The council has in the past indicated it intends to review its approach to the non-cutting of areas deemed too steep for traditional methods,” said Mr Marshall.

“The Borders public would like an assurance that a method of addressing this problem will be implemented during this summer.”

He was told by Councillor Sandy Aitchison, executive member for neighbourhoods and locality services, that council staff had been instructed to ensure full compliance with the principles of health and safety.

“Having reviewed their approach to grass cutting, it has been determined that traditional cutting methods are not appropriate given the risk to staff and the public in areas designated as ‘too steep’,” said Mr Aitchison.

“While cutting is suspended at some locations, our officers are investigating alternatives to try and deliver cutting at an appropriate level, but this many not be delivered during the coming season.

“Please be assured that every effort is being made to identify safe and sustainable solutions.

“A consideration of options may be required to redesign some areas to create visually pleasing locations which are not just grass, therefore reducing the need for intensive maintenance regimes.”

Mr Marshall said: “By not cutting these areas, we are creating unsightly jungles so, if the council can’t do it, perhaps we should be employing private contractors.”

Mr Aitchison responded: “Every location is different so there is no one size fits all solution.

“We are talking to the private sector to discuss how these areas can be maintained in a safe way and with due consideration for both tidiness and biodiversity.

“I cannot, however, say that we will be employing private contractors this year.”