Grass Verges and Tick Exposure

I am seeking information regarding Lincolnshire County Council maintained highway land, verges and green spaces within the Windmill Meadow Estate, Branston.



In particular, I would be grateful if you could provide information on:



1) Whether any risk assessment has been undertaken regarding the presence of ticks and the potential transmission of Lyme disease within Council-maintained areas of the estate.



2) Whether the Council has considered the increased risk associated with the proximity of these areas to pedestrian routes, public footpaths, children's play areas, and locations regularly used by dog walkers.



3) The current maintenance regime for these areas, including grass cutting frequencies, vegetation management schedules, and any site-specific maintenance plans.



4) Whether any review has been undertaken to determine if the current maintenance regime remains appropriate given the level of public use and the potential for tick exposure.

In general terms Lincolnshire County Council, as highway authority, are responsible for maintaining the highway verges on this estate, those grassed areas that are located adjacent to the roads.

In that context, the answers to the specific questions raised are as follows.

1) No

2) No

3) Our policy is to cut areas of highway grass 3 times per year.

4) No