Parents frustrated as grass grows taller than children at Black Country park
This scene could mistaken for a safari park - but instead it's a small playground which has been left unattended by a Black Country council.
The grass has grown so long, in fact, that it is taller than some small children who use the recreational facility in Wednesbury.
The state of the park - which is located on a housing estate on Carnegie Drive - has infuriated residents, who are concerned that the long grass poses a fire hazard.
It has left residents questioning why they pay their council tax, said Jill Turner, 60, a spokesman for the residents.
Sandwell Council is responsible for maintaining the park but the council has not trimmed the park for seven months, she said.
"I think it is disgusting," said Ms Turner. "One resident said 'they are all paying council tax for a service they [the council] fail to provide.
"My friend, she put her little girl over the fence - she is a toddler, only about 16 months old - the grass was higher than her.
"My being short, you wouldn't have been able to see me either."
Sandwell Council's grass-cutting services were halted amid the pandemic but returned in a smaller capacity from June.
Ms Turner said the council visited the park seven weeks ago when an officer cable-tied the gate.
Wednesbury North councillor Elaine Costigan branded the state of the park "disgusting" after Sandwell Council, which maintains green spaces in the borough, allowed it to go untended.
She said the residents had had to fight for the council to look after the park in the first place.
Complaints have been made to the authority, including to current leader Maria Crompton, but no work has yet been done.
Councillor Costigan said: "It's just disgusting and this needs sorting. The residents are concerned about the fire hazards and it being too close to properties."
Sandwell Council was approached for comment.
