Street care standards

Grass cutting

Grass verges and roundabouts are litter picked, cut and strimmed during the growing season (March-November). Exact timings depend on weather conditions.

Hedge cutting

Hedges are trimmed twice a year. 

We avoid hedge cutting during the bird nesting period and breeding season which is considered to be from 1 March to 31 July. However, depending on seasonal temperatures, some birds continue breeding into August and September. Hedge cutting during the bird nesting or breeding season should be avoided as nearly every hedgerow in the country will have birds breeding in it during this time. All wild birds, their young, their eggs and active nests are protected under law.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act – 1981 it is an offence to damage a nest intentionally while it is in use or being built and hedge cutting is highly likely to damage nests or cause them to be deserted. The maximum penalty that can be imposed for an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act - in respect of a single bird, nest or egg - is a fine of up to £5,000, and/or six months' imprisonment. 

Street cleaning

Neighbourhoods are mechanically swept and litter picked once every month. Litter is collected from main roads more often and from shopping parades and the town centre daily. Litter and dog bins are emptied at least weekly, depending on level of use.

Shrub bed maintenance

Neighbourhood shrub beds are visited throughout the year, to be pruned, weeded and have litter removed.

Tree care

Some street trees are owned and maintained by us, and some by West Sussex County Council. The trees we own are inspected on a programmed basis. 

We can only do work to trees that are dead, dying, and dangerous, severely obstructing access or damaging property.

Work timescales

Problem reported to us
Time taken to resolve
Problem reported to us
Fly posting
Time taken to resolve
Five working days 
Problem reported to us
Fly tipping
Time taken to resolve
Two working days (longer if under investigation) 
Problem reported to us
Graffiti
Time taken to resolve
Offensive or racist – one working day. Other – five working days
Problem reported to us
Litter
Time taken to resolve
When litter pickers are next in the neighbourhood (monthly)
Problem reported to us
Missed bins
Time taken to resolve
One working day (must be reported within two days of normal collection)
Problem reported to us
Trees (dead, dying, dangerous)
Time taken to resolve
Prioritised by level of urgency