Grass cutting services will make a phased return following a suspension to enable resources to be put into the council’s Covid-19 response.

Small amounts of ground maintenance have continued throughout the pandemic, but now the council say they are ready to reintroduce ‘grass cutting on a wider scale’.

To enable staff to do as much as possible with a reduced workforce, the initial phase will see grass cut that is accessible on a ride-on mower and will not include ‘strimming around street furniture’.

A council spokesman said: “Due to the current length of the grass, the first two cuts will result in larger than normal amounts of cuttings left behind on-site.

“The council also anticipates that the next two scheduled cuts will take longer than normal due to the length of the grass and asks that residents bear this in mind before reporting any long grass they may see while they're out and about.”

Cllr Bridget Wayman, cabinet member for highways, said: "More and more people will be out and about getting their exercise and enjoying Wiltshire once again.

“We have a plan in place to get our green spaces back into tip-top shape as quickly as possible while keeping staff and the public safe.

"We ask people to respect our staff while they carry out their work and we appreciate everyone's patience while we get our schedule back on track

"People like many different aspects of Wiltshire's landscape, and that's a good thing, but we have the tricky task of meeting those various needs.

“However, we hope we've got the balance right though and that there's something for everyone to enjoy."

The council also said that it recognises that some people like to see wildflowers grow on verges and that they have a ‘positive biodiversity impact’.

The council spokesman continued: “If they do cause a visibility issue near roads then the council has to maintain them, but they are only cut one meter back wherever possible.

“This year the council will also be undertaking a number of wildflower trials across the county and have had lots of great feedback and suggestions of areas to consider.

“Residents will be kept up-to-date on the progress of this.”