Grass-cutting of parks and open spaces across Thurrock is doubling up to once every three weeks, instead of every five, the council announced today.

Portfolio Holder for Environment, Councillor Pauline Tolson, said it had been a “strange year” in terms of the weather which meant the grass had grown faster than normal.

Blackshots Field, Grays, and South Ockendon Recreation Ground had already been tackled a council statement claimed.

Extra staff, an extra tractor and grass-cutting equipment are also due to be introduced to the existing team.

The announcement comes days after councillors requested the council publish their monthly grass cutting calendar on their website at the Full Council meeting last Wednesday.

Councillor Jack Duffin said: “Many residents have concerns over the Council’s promises to cut their grass and this way residents and Councillors can make sure that they are getting the promised services that they pay their Council Tax for.”

A spokesman for the council said it would also be “focusing” on the areas within parks and open spaces where the tractor mounted grass cutting units are unable to cut.

These include along fence lines and areas surrounding litter bins and benches.

Mrs Tolson said: “The increased amount of rain recently and the mild winter has meant the grass has grown at a faster rate than normal we’ve reacted to these changes and brought in new equipment where required."

Mrs Tolson added: “It is great news that we are able to increase the amount of cutting equipment we have available to us. In the future we will be able to respond quickly to changes that the climate may cause in our open spaces.”

She added: “The hard work that our small team of officers are doing is fantastic job. With the previous lack of equipment and the rate of grass growth - it’s been a tough job – but they have done brilliantly and must be congratulated.”

For more information on grass cutting in the borough go to: thurrock.gov.uk/grass-cutting