Grounds maintenance

The Parks Department is responsible for the management, maintenance and enhancement of all parks, open spaces and trees owned by the Vale.

The Department also acts as agents for Oxfordshire County Council for the maintenance of roadside verges within the towns of Abingdon, Wantage, Faringdon and Grove. The Unit also carries out work on behalf of local housing associations.

Grounds maintenance programme

The council's seasonal flower displays, recreational areas and shrubbery are maintained through a tendered grounds maintenance contract.

From March to October the main grounds maintenance operation is grass cutting. The majority of general areas are cut approximately once every three weeks using a range of machinery. The grass is not collected for environmental and financial reasons. At the same time as the mowing, shrub beds are attended monthly for litter and weed control.

The winter programme involves pruning shrubs and hedges off footpaths and reducing the height of shrubs and hedges where necessary.

For queries relating to grounds maintenance issues on council-owned land please contact the Parks department - see the contact details on the right.

For queries relating to trees, roads, footpath issues upon the highway please contact Oxfordshire County Council at their depot at Drayton on 08453 101111.