Outdoor services

Throughout lockdown we have had to make some significant changes to the way we deliver services to ensure that we continue to protect our workers, our residents and ultimately help to save lives. We also want to support our communities and residents to make safe and healthy choices during this difficult period.

We had to suspend a number of outdoor services activities, but as the government guidance changes, we continue to review our services so that wherever possible, we can support the health and wellbeing of our communities.

Play parks

We would ask members of the public to follow some basic guidelines in accordance with government guidance so that everyone can stay safe while having fun in the park:

Safety in play areas

Garden care services

The garden care service is being delivered to existing applicants at this time. This will support the health and wellbeing of our residents by allowing them to safely access green space within their own gardens.

Cemeteries

Our priority will be to support bereavement services in the first instance, with a focus on cemeteries.

Amenity space maintenance

Amenity space maintenance has been reintroduced on a phased basis to areas which can be easily accessed by our grass cutting teams. This will include large/medium sized areas maintained by tractors and ride on mowers, which are operated by a single operator.

Thank you

We are very grateful for the support we have received from our communities, and particularly those who have volunteered to help with litter picking activities. We have already been working with local communities to provide them with amenity maintenance kits along with litter picking equipment. This support helps to ensure that we keep East Ayrshire a clean, green and vibrant place.

Volunteering

If anyone in your community is interested in volunteering to help with litter picking or grounds maintenance, please contact Outdoor.Amenities@east-ayrshire.gov.uk.

Frequently asked questions

What is happening with amenity grass maintenance?

We have introduced a phased approach to delivering services. This will be in line with current government guidance and will support the wellbeing and mental health of our residents. It will be delivered where resources allow and in a way that ensures the safety of our employees and the public.

Can I volunteer to help Outdoor Services?

Yes! We currently have volunteers helping within communities, doing litter picking, leaf collection and general clean ups within communities.

How do I volunteer?

Please contact our Outdoor Amenities section by emailing Outdoor.Amenties@east-ayrshire.gov.uk and a member of the team will contact you with further information.

What will Outdoor Services provide for volunteers?

We will provide equipment and tools in the form of an amenity maintenance kit and litter picking packs. Training will also be given to volunteers if required.

Are litter bins being emptied?

Yes. We have returned to normal schedule for emptying litter bins, however this may change if resources are required to assist critical services.

Is fly-tipping being uplifted?

Yes. All incidents of flytipping are logged, prioritised and uplifted in accordance with available resources.

We are working in close partnership with our Corporate Enforcement Unit which is continuing to patrol throughout East Ayrshire, monitoring known hotspots, dealing with reported incidents, tracing those who have been fly-tipping where possible, and taking appropriate enforcement action.

We would ask that you continue to report fly-tipping so that we can review and schedule this service as soon as we are able to do so. Please email EACEnvCrime@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

If you have any questions that have not been covered above, please contact Outdoor.Amenities@east-ayrshire.gov.uk and a member of the team will get back to you.

Trees

If you have any issues relating to trees, please contact Outdoor Services by emailing outdoor.amenities@east-ayrshire.gov.uk and a member of the Team will be in touch.