STERN talks have been had with a council contractor after our front page last week, showing the botched job made of verges and greens in Verwood.

East Dorset District Council’s community and open spaces manager Matthew Reeks had a meeting with the contractor last week.

The council has arranged six grass cuttings a year and the third one was due to be completed yesterday.

A fourth round of grass cutting will start now and will be complete in 17 days after the council put in extra resources.

Mr Reeks said: “The contractor was made aware that the timescale for the grass cutting should in no way affect the quality and results such as those which have been seen recently are not acceptable.

“Every effort will be made by the contractor during the remaining cuts of this year to ensure the highest standards possible are maintained.”

Councillor Toni Coombs told people on the Verwoodians Facebook page: “Verwood and Three Legged cross cut will be finished by Wednesday.

“I will be given a timetable for the rest of the year which I will post on Verwoodians.

“The contractor has been brought in and robust conversations had.

“The county council team have also been drafted in to help.

“There will be a different contract in time for next year, and various options will be looked at.”

Cllr Coombs has also ensured that visibility on the B3078 has been improved after people complained high grass was causing a danger to drivers.

The county council sent someone out last week to cut back the grass at the junctions causing concern.