LEDBURY Town Councillors have taken further steps towards appointing a "lengthsman", to cut grass verges in the local area.

The need is there because Herefordshire Council contractor, Balfour Beatty is to spend most of a £40m maintenance budget this year on road and flood repairs.

The idea for the town-council funded lengthsman received backing at last week's economic development and planning sub-committee meeting last week, but the proposal still requires ratification from the full town council, on June 19.

Former mayor, Coun Phill Bettington, who has been instrumental in calling for a lengthsman to be appointed, said advice would now be sought from Balfour Beatty, including on the official duties of the lengthsman.

The final cost of such an appointment is not yet known, but if the appointment is made soon, grant funding may be available towards costs.

The move comes as several members of the public have taken it on themselves to cut grass in public areas, including on Queen's Walk Gardens, at the entrance to the Recreation Ground.