19/06/09 - Major Landscaping Work To Main Redhouse Entrance

Following on from a number of residents raising concerns about the landscaping at the main entrance to Redhouse.  Residents highlighted concerns about the lack of visability for pedestrians when crossing due to the excessive landscaping.

I am delighted that work has now commenced.

The shrubbery is being replaced with grass and the trees are being kept. this is for three reasons.

• Firstly it's easy and safe to cut grass in central reservation. Our ride on mowers are equipped with all the health and safety controls needed to work in the middle of the road.It satisfies the health and safety at works act (they are also taxed and insured for the highway). It also means we do not have to afford expensive road closures associated with mid-road shrub maintenance.
• Secondly it solves any vision issues associated with over grown shrubbery as the grass should never be left to grow any more than 300mm (1 foot) high.
• Once transferred the grass will 'marry'  with the aesthetic appeal of the grass area in Redhouse gardens.

The shrubbery has been removed and 50 tons of quality top soil are being delivered. This will be levelled out and grass seed raked in at 35g per square metre Once the grass seed has germinated it will be about 6 weeks until we first cut it. This is good horticultural practice with all new lawns (this allows it to be more physically resistant to the first cut). After this it should be cut once every 3 weeks by one of SCS's ride on triple mowers. The trees will be tidied up and the supports removed where appropriate.

The shrubberies at the top still belong to NSDC, so Swindon Council at the moment will be working up to the cycle track (just past SBC land), I understand that NSDC are talking to their contractors this week. 

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, "I am delighted that yet again following on from our recent resident survey further improvements are being made to our local area.  We will continue to work through all the issues raised.''

Thank you to Steve Gregory for providing the excellent photo.