A petition calling on the council to reduce the amount of grass cutting it does to encourage wild flowers has been launched.

This week Pembrokeshire County Council said it planned to restart grass cutting in some areas next month, having stopped in light of the coronavirus lockdown.

According to a report printed with the delegated decision to restart cutting 832 locations across the county and 500 were considered high priority.

Alan Jones has set up a petition on Change.org to stop regular grass cutting “to allow wild habitats and wild flowers to grow in verges and green spaces instead.”

With nearly 500 signatures Mr Jones’ petition adds that it would support bees and insects as well as “save the council money and personnel-hours” if grass cutting was reduced to once or twice a year.

He acknowledges the need to maintain safety and visibility on roads.

The council’s review this month of grass cutting locations focused on criteria which includes priority given to areas of housing and recreation in towns and villages, as well as those schools that are still open.

Maintaining a clean and tidy environment and a “state of preparedness for normal activities” has also been considered, along with access issues, the report adds.

Being able to clear areas associated with littering was also a consideration.

The authority’s cabinet member for the environment, Clr. Cris Tomos, said earlier this week: “Other options surrounding the grass cutting regime have been considered, including suspending the service.

“However, through consultation with managers and supervisors within the County Council and other local authorities in Wales, it is felt this is the best option to ensure the health and wellbeing of the residents of Pembrokeshire while adhering to Government guidelines.”

He added that the initial cut of grass would be slow and time consuming because of the excessive growth in some areas.