Grass cutting and maintenance of green spaces across rural parts of Wycombe will no longer be controlled by the district council after the power was handed over to towns and parishes.

The move has been welcomed by councillors, with the enhanced powers and new management of green spaces likely to see a quicker reaction to residents’ concerns over issues like overgrown grass and untidy verges.

Wycombe District Council’s cabinet agreed to hand over control of services such as grass cutting in a move that supports a bid to devolve more powers to towns and parishes and will save the district money.

Councils in Marlow, Hazlemere, Lane End and Princes Risborough have already taken up the offer to take control of its green spaces, with more expected to join in the next couple of weeks.

WDC cabinet member for community, councillor Julia Adey, said: “This decision really is a win-win for everyone.

“It localises services, makes it easier for residents to report any issues and influence how their green spaces will look and feel.

“The budget saving for Wycombe District Council is an added bonus.”

The transfer came into effect on April 1 and will result in Wycombe District Council making a saving on green space management.

Princes Risborough Town Council has taken up the mantle on behalf of a cluster of authorities in the north of the district, including Lacey Green, Longwick-cum-Ilmer and Bledlow-cum-Saunderton parish councils.

Stokenchurch Parish Council is set to be the next authority to take up the offer and will take control of its green spaces in the coming weeks.

Wycombe District Council has handed over some of its green space management, following a decision Bucks County Council to devolve services like cutting grass verges.

Some small areas of green spaces not transferred to town or parish councils have been added to the district council’s remaining green spaces contract.

For more information, visit wycombe.gov.uk