CEREDIGION County Council is to reduce the amount of grass cutting that takes place across the county - meaning some areas may not be mown until September.

In a statement released this evening, the county council said: "Some residents will have noticed a difference to the cut as this year we are fully embracing No Mow May and beyond.

"This means that the larger open spaces, including some of the formal areas along with many of the roadside verges will only receive a visibility cut between April and mid-July.

"After this time a more traditional style of cutting will resume, with a full cut and collect of the areas.

"Over the next couple of years, this change in the mowing will improve the diverse range of flora and fauna within our urban green estate.

"After mid-July each site that has received the marginal/visibility cut, will be subject to an inspection to evaluate if it is ready for cutting, to ensure that the majority of wildflower in the sward has finished flowering.

"This may mean that some areas are not cut until August or even September.

"This change is driven by the need to reduce our impact upon the environment and to do things differently.

"In the early part of the season, we will be cutting reduced volumes of grass and making fewer vehicular movements disposing of the grass, which will have a positive impact on the local and wider environment.

"Later in the season we will be using some of that saved resource to cut and collect the grass. Most of the grass is composted locally."

Cllr Keith Henson, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environmental Services and Carbon Management added: “The new grass cutting regime is great for the local environment and supports our efforts to safely manage these grassed areas. "The approach adopted provides a balance between protecting habitats, public safety and maintaining the aesthetic benefit of managing this land."

The council says it will review the rollout and welcomes feedback from the public, who are asked to give their views to the Clic contact centre on 01545 570 881 or by email on [email protected].