Horowhenua district residents are outraged over a council decision to stop berm mowing services as a way to reduce costs.
The decision came into effect on July 1st and requires property owners to maintain their own berms and lawns; it is reported that $250,000 will be saved with this cut.
One resident, John Murphy claims that he has the “largest berm” in the region and that he is not financially viable to pay a contractor to do it as it would cost him over $100 a month.
He said the debate had been a “hot topic” over the past few weeks, with residents taking to social media to voice their complaints.
The decision comes after a 17% increase in rates and most residents in Levin were elderly, disabled or on low incomes.
“It’s something that the council owns. I can’t charge for parking or for someone to put a tent out there overnight to meet that cost… I have no say in how it’s used.
“What really frustrates me is that they still mow the park across the road,” Murphy said.
The council said due to rising costs, they are unable to keep mowing urban berms.
“Unfortunately, due to rising costs of goods and services, the council was forced to explore cost-saving measures.”
Photo Credit: John Murphy
