BLADE RUNNER

Proposal to use medieval choppers to cut overgrown grass

- KATHRYN ANDERSON

Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) is offering to train local people to use scythes - a medieval chopping blade - to cut overgrown grass.

Safety fears have been raised about the ancient hand-tool which some staff have already been shown how to use.

And the local authority - which has been previously been criticised for its “no mow” approach which left grass to grow wild in public parks - has announced is now offering to train volunteers to “safely” use the sharp tools to maintain its public spaces.

A PKC spokesperson said: “Our Community Greenspace staff have recently received training in the safe use of scythes from an experienced trainer through SABI (Scythe Association of Britain and Northern Ireland) as an effective and more environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil fuel-powered equipment.

“As a result, we can now offer training to community groups, on request, if they are looking to use these tools safely when carrying out maintenance in their local green spaces. Only people who are suitably trained and have the council's permission can carry out this work in public green spaces.”