PEOPLE at a public meeting were stunned to learn that police were being asked to pay £1,700 for a grass cutting job that would have cost about £60 if local contractors were involved.
The revelation was made when Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg met Barnard Castle Town Council to discuss the future of the open space in front of the town’s old police station.
People at the meeting were anxious to know when the grass would be cut at Bede Kirk because it posed a fire risk. They asked how much police were saving by allowing it to grow wild.
The commissioner's chief of staff, Alan Reiss, responded: “£1,700”.
He said this was just for a single cut.
Taken aback, town mayor Cllr Sandra Moorhouse said it cost the town council just £60 to keep the similar sized Montalbo play area in shape.
This has since been confirmed by the town clerk, Michael King.
Mr Hogg assured people that a licence would be granted to the town council in the near future which would allow it to maintain the area.
He also said the open space would be gifted to the people of Barnard Castle.
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