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

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. 

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.

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

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.