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We maintain parks and other public open spaces, as well as some play areas, and some highways verges.
We are well placed and well equipped to respond to almost any maintenance project. We are committed to providing a highly responsive service at all times for all our customers.
We undertake contracts all year round for:
- parish councils
- housing associations
- schools
- sports clubs
- housing developers
- health authorities
- individuals
- organisations and other clients
Our main services include:
- grass cutting – between March and October, 7 to 12 times a year
- hedge trimming – between mid-July and end of September (due to bird nesting season), usually once a year
- tree safety inspections and works – carried out on a cycle between 1 and 5 years, works scheduled according to needs
- streets are swept by mechanical road sweepers, or manually depending on the need
- play equipment inspections are conducted on a monthly basis
- we set high standards for grounds maintenance operations
Lost property
Everyone must take care of their belongings when they visit our parks and open spaces, so things are not lost. We know that things do get lost or left behind. If our staff find valuables on council land such as mobile phones, they will tell their manager. We will report the item has been found using the police online portal and keep the item.
If you have lost anything valuable on council land, contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101 to ask if it’s been handed in or report it using the lost property form.
If our staff find less valuable things such as clothing or toys, we will put it in an easy to spot place on the site – like a bench or picnic table – in roughly the same area where they found it.
Local parks, play areas and events
To find local events, visit Discover South Somerset.
Report an issue with a park
If you need to let us know about an issue with a park, visit our report it page.
Planning for open space in South Somerset
We aspire to provide and support the supply of accessible, well managed and well-maintained playing pitches and built leisure facilities that encourage residents to maintain and increase their participation in sport and active recreation in the South Somerset area.
We have developed needs assessments and strategies that identify gaps in provision, identify priority projects and inform our planning policies.
Playing Pitch Needs Assessment and Strategy
South Somerset’s Playing Pitch Strategy (2017 – 2028) was formally adopted by District Executive Committee on 5 July 2018.
If you have any questions regarding our Playing Pitch Strategy, contact us.
Please also see the South Somerset Local Football Facilities Plan completed in 2020. This document highlights key football projects and areas for investment by the FA and Football Foundation over the next 10 years.
Built Leisure Facility Needs Assessment and Strategy
Our needs assessments for built leisure facilities, including sports halls, swimming pools and health and fitness facilities.
The strategy was adopted in March 2019.
Both the needs assessment and strategy document are available to view below:
Pre-application formal and informal open space calculator
The open space calculator is designed to provide a rough guide to the maximum level of informal and formal open space obligations that may be requested from residential development. For an accurate assessment, officers will need to assess actual requirements on a site by site basis.
The calculator also includes some general design and size guidance for laying out public open space.
You can view our design guidance for informal space, along with the addendum.
Play and Youth Facilities
An assessment of our Play and Youth Facilities has been undertaken and finalised in April 2022.
Floral display sponsorship
We welcome contributions from businesses, clubs, societies, organisations or private individuals who might like to sponsor key areas of parks such as major flower beds or hard landscaping, both to enhance existing features or create new ones.
Accepting this kind of sponsorship will be entirely the council’s decision.