Grounds Maintenance Contract 2025

Standard specification for all open space areas: Grass cutting: To mow the grass, including strimming where necessary, within each bounded area shown on a roughly fortnightly basis, although there is scope for staggering the frequency to take account of high growth and low growth periods. 18 visits per year for each site beginning no later than March and going through until November. If the grass cannot be mown due to the weather or ground conditions, then the site should be visited as soon as is practical after the original visit date. Within each enclosed play area itself the grass cuttings are to be collected, removed from site and disposed of responsibly off site. Leaf collection: A minimum of 3 visits per site, as required, between November and January to ensure regular clearance. Ground to be left clear of all fallen leaves by the end of leaf falling season. All leaves collected to be removed from site and disposed of responsibly off site. Weedkilling and edging: The paths through each bounded area, and the enclosed play areas to be edged as necessary through the mowing period. If absolutely necessary weedkiller may also be used. Invasive Species: Should any invasive species be noticed then the Council is to be notified as soon as possible. Litter picking: All bins (excluding dog waste bins) in each bounded area to be emptied 3 days per week (Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday) throughout the year. Litter picking in each area to be carried out on the same basis. All rubbish collected is to be disposed of responsibly off site. As the number of bins is variable and subject to change, please quote a price per bin. Currently there are approximately 20 bins across all the various sites. Play Area Health and Safety: Basic weekly health and safety check, by eye only, completed for each play area, reporting on any obvious broken equipment, issues, graffiti, broken glass etc. The Council is moving to an app-based inspection system for which full training will be provided, however it currently has an inspection sheet which can be provided upon request. At present, the Council's sheet, or similar, is expected to be used for the inspections, and returned to the Parish Council at the end of each month. Should any issues be found during the inspection then the Council is to be notified as soon as possible, and the company is expected to make reasonable efforts to secure the area. Wildflower Areas: Certain areas within the open spaces will be designated as wildflower areas by the Council. These areas are to be left unmown throughout the growing season. Instead these areas should be dealt with as appropriate for each area. The Council may add to, or remove, these areas as it sees fit. Current wildflower areas are outlined in pink on the accompanying images. Ad hoc jobs will be available from time to time of a similar nature and specific requirements may be varied according to the site or current needs of the council. Please contact David Wheal, the Clerk, for further information by emailing clerk@bishopstokepc.org