GRASS-CUTTING services in the town 'will inevitably get worse' as council funding continues to be slashed by Government.

Three years ago £2.1 million was spent to deliver street services and grass-cutting but the amount has reduced ever since.

The authority is now calling on volunteers across the town to help it keep green spaces looking pristine after admitting 'there is no way' the same level of service can continue.

A spokesman said: "Over the past four years we've had to make some difficult decisions due to the annual budget cuts to local government.

"As the Government continues to reduce funding for our services our budget pressures, particularly for services such as grass-cutting, will inevitably get worse.

"As a council we have a finite budget and have statutory obligations that we are compelled to fund. We also run several essential services that cannot be cut.

"We spend £145 million a year on services. The majority of this, £127 million, is spent on services for adults and children.

"Three years ago we spent £2.1 million on street services and grass-cutting. In 2014-15 we were forced to reduce that to £1.4 million.

"It has since been reduced further. Our environment services and mowing crews have now been reduced by a half, including a reduction of seasonal and temporary staff.

"There are now 28 staff across the borough mowing grass in parks and highways, emptying litter bins, pruning shrubs, removing fly-tipping and litter-picking.

"Last year, this small grass-cutting team cut a total area the equivalent of 3,430 football pitches.

"This year, the frequency of our grass-cutting has been reduced to an average of between five and eight weeks depending on the weather.

"Weed spraying of footpaths and roads will now be done twice a year between May and October.

"We are looking to invest in new equipment to increase productivity and we are also encouraging parish councils, voluntary and community groups to engage in keeping green areas attractive.

"We all remain committed to creating a place we are proud of."

Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure, community and culture, is concerned but is confident groups across the town will continue carrying out their selfless work to help.

He said: "I think the majority of residents are aware of the unfair cuts the Government is forcing on councils, such as Warrington, and understand that with less money to spend we simply can't deliver the same service as expected.

"But I must say our parks are some of the very best in the country having just achieved 12 Green Flag Awards, eclipsing Liverpool and Manchester.

"This is testament to the fantastic support from volunteers but also the parks and grass-cutting team who work extremely hard to achieve the high standard required for Green Flag status.

"This standard will increase public use of parks, either for leisure or sporting activities – this is something I'm very proud of."