Residents Defend Grass Verge from Fly-Tippers, Council Responds with "Eyesore" Concrete Blocks

In the Gloucester neighborhood of Mount Street, residents have been taking matters into their own hands to maintain a grass verge and prevent fly-tipping. However, their efforts have been met with an unexpected response from the local authorities.

According to Sarah-Jane Tomalin, a resident of Mount Street, the Gloucestershire County Council recently installed "horrible" concrete blocks on the grass verge, which she and her neighbors consider an "eyesore." Councilor Rebecca Trimnell echoed this sentiment, stating that the appearance of the blocks was disrespectful to the residents who had been working hard to care for the green space.

The council's deputy leader, Colin Hay, acknowledged that the authority is now working with Councilor Trimnell and the residents to find a "long-term solution for the site." Tomalin claims the blocks appeared a few weeks ago after she received a letter from the council asking her to move her car.

The residents argue that they have successfully tackled the issue of fly-tipping, maintained the land, and even arranged for the grass to be cut and the ivy to be cleared. They say they have repeatedly asked the council for help, but the council refused to admit the land was theirs, so the residents took it upon themselves to keep the area tidy.

The council, on the other hand, claims it acted after the police reported that untaxed vehicles were being parked illegally on the grass verge. However, Tomalin insists that all the cars parked there were legally taxed.

Despite the ongoing dispute, the council has stated that it acted "as quickly as possible" to address the issue and that a site meeting has taken place with residents, the council's estates manager, and Councilor Trimnell to discuss future options for the site.