W2C-007 Belfast Telegraph 6-2.txt
'Room for improvement' admission on weed worry Gail Walker

Weeds five feet high have turned many grassy areas in east Belfast Housing Executive estates into jungles, it was claimed today.

DUP councillor Sammy Wilson said that for the second year running he had been swamped with complaints from local people who feel they are living in "eyesores".

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And today the Executive admitted it could do better when it came to grounds maintenance in that area of the city.

"It is disgraceful. The Executive obviously has a very serious problem when it comes to looking after these areas," said Mr Wilson.
"One woman told me she used to have a great view from her window across a local park. Now she can't see over the weeds.
I have contacted the Executive on behalf of people many times and they have told me they will do something about it.

Promises

"On some sites I 've had at least four promises since May that work will be carried out. I tell residents this but the work never happens. It makes me look a liar."

Mr Wilson said that last year the Executive had paid their own direct labour organisation to maintain open spaces "but they never cut grass or pulled a single weed."

"They told me that this year they have employed a private contractor who is supposed to cut grass at least twice a month and weed once a month but it's not happening," he added.
An Executive spokesman said: "The Executive realises there is room for improvement in the grounds maintenance services provided in east Belfast.
We are actively pursuing the matter with the contractor employed on its behalf to carry out this work."
Mr Wilson added: "When many of the developments were being built tenants associations and public representatives pointed out that publicly-owned areas were prone to vandalism but it was never envisaged they would be subject to such official neglect.
Senior officials in the Executive have spoken a great deal and written much about delivering a quality service. It is time they started delivering on their promise."
