Residents of an area blighted by overgrown green spaces have called the area a “disgusting mess”

Residents in south Edinburgh have called on the council to take action on overgrown green spaces in the area which are “never maintained”.

Those living in The Inch say they are being blighted by overgrown trees and shrubberies as well as “out of control” grassy areas which are posing a risk to elderly people and preventing locals from being able to enjoy the outdoor spaces.

Of particular concern are streets like Jean Armour Avenue which resident Donna Bunting said is “going into real disrepair”.

She said: “People have lost pride. I’m not saying it’s 100 per cent of people. If the council did their part then people would take pride in their area.

Residents in The Inch area say they are blighted by overgrown and neglected green spaces. | Donna Bunting

placeholder image — Residents in The Inch area say they are blighted by overgrown and neglected green spaces. | Donna Bunting

“The council planted shrubberies and trees. The trees have never been maintained. The green areas are so overgrown that you can’t sit and enjoy them.”

Ms Bunting added that council workers have infrequently tackled issues – including gulley weeding – but said they then “disappear and nothing gets done”.

Grass cuttings have also been left after mowing and have led to overgrowing between slabs in the area, which Ms Bunting said is “a risk to elderly people”.

Weeds growing between slabs are said to pose a danger to elderly people | Donna Bunting

Later this week, it is expected that council officials will undertake a walkthrough of the area to understand the issues facing residents, who have won the backing of local representatives Daniel Johnson MSP and Ian Murray MP.

Mr Johnson said: “During May's election, I made a simple promise: to keep getting things done for communities across south Edinburgh. I meant it, and I'm already at work.

"Later this week, I will be pleased to join Ian Murray MP in the Inch — my fourth community walkabout since May. Residents are fed up with weeds, overgrown green spaces, overflowing bins and fly-tipping, and we know there is plenty to get stuck into.

Residents in Edinburgh are calling on the council to take action on overgrown green spaces | Donna Bunting

"If you live in south Edinburgh and have concerns about your local area, I want to hear from you.”

Mr Murray said the council should “utilise the enthusiasm of local people”.

He said: “Daniel and I regularly conduct street surgeries across south Edinburgh, and these issues - overgrown weeds, uncollected bins and fly-tipping - come up a lot.

The residents say overgrown areas and grassy spaces are not being maintained. | Donna Bunting

"I’d encourage the council to utilise the enthusiasm of local people and see what can be done to tackle these problems."

Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, transport and environment convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Keeping Edinburgh clean and tidy is a top priority for us. We’re grateful for the resident raising these issues with us and we’re hoping to resolve them where we can as quickly as possible.”