The Thurrock portfolio holder for the Environment says green spaces are now “much improved” thanks to the council’s Clean it, Cut it, Fill it campaign.

Councillor Pauline Tolson said the quicker schedule meant the extra grass cut was “equivalent to cutting Hyde Park three times”.

Ms Tolson said she was “delighted” with the progress teams had made with grass cutting and the programme had made a “real difference” in the borough.

The portfolio holder said parks and green spaces had been cut every three weeks over the summer, whereas varying schedules in the past had let some areas overgrow, preventing residents from enjoying them.

Ms Tolson said: “After a rough start with unhelpful weather at the beginning of the summer and since the introduction of new equipment and staff, green spaces in the borough are in a much better condition for everyone to enjoy. I want to thank the teams involved for all their hard work.

“There is still more work to be done – especially the road verges on some routes – but the appearance of parks and open spaces has clearly improved.”

For more information on the Love Thurrock campaign, please visit thurrock.gov.uk/lovethurrock