We believe every neighbourhood should be a safe, clean, and welcoming space where you feel supported and proud to live.
As part of our Corporate Plan 2026–2031, we are strengthening our communities for today and for future generations. We are moving beyond just reacting when things go wrong, using your feedback and smarter systems to predict, prevent, and protect our shared spaces.
Here is everything you need to know about how we manage our open spaces, who looks after what, and how we care for your community all year round.
Introducing Countrywide, our grounds maintenance contractor
Following your feedback at our #LoveYourStreet events, through our customer surveys, and on social media, you told us loud and clear that you wanted a more consistent service and better value for your money.
We’re pleased to introduce Countrywide Grounds Maintenance as our sole grounds maintenance contractor across our estates.
Why one contractor?
Previously, we used multiple contractors across different areas. By partnering with Countrywide, every estate receives the exact same high standard of care. Countrywide brings extensive experience looking after housing, NHS, and public spaces across the UK, using professional equipment to get the job done properly.
(Please note: If you live in one of our Community Living schemes, your gardens are cared for directly by our in-house Caretaking Team throughout the year).
Grass cutting schedule and maintenance timetable
We don’t just mow the grass, our grounds maintenance programme covers our green and grey spaces throughout all four seasons.
Grass cutting schedule
- In line with customer consultation, we cut the grass up to 9 times per year during the typical growing season (April to October).
- We operate a cut-and-drop service. Offering a cut-and-collection service would significantly increase service charges, so this approach keeps your costs as low and affordable as possible.
Seasonal maintenance programme
| Season | What Countrywide and our Caretaking Teams do |
| Spring & Summer (Growing Season) | – Grass cutting across all open communal areas – Path edging and weed/moss removal – Shrub, hedge, and bramble maintenance |
| Autumn & Winter (Cooler Months) | We’ll be taking care of our shared grey spaces by: – Cutting back overgrowth – Spraying weeds – Sweeping debris and clearing fly-tipping Please note: this work covers general upkeep, so structural repairs to hardstandings, roads, or paths in these areas are not included. |
Estate cutting timetable
Countrywide work on an approximately 18-22 day cycle.
| Cycle | Areas and estates covered |
| Cycle 1 | Llynfi, Garw and Ogmore Valleys |
| Cycle 2 | Bridgend Town, Old Brackla, Cefn Glas & Bryntirion |
| Cycle 3 | Porthcawl, Pencoed, Heol Y Cyw, Pyle, Kenfig Hill, Cefn Cribbwr, North Cornelly, Sarn & Ynysawdre. |
A quick note on weather and teething troubles:
Before undertaking any work, our ground maintenance teams assess ground conditions on-site. Light rain or damp surface grass does not necessarily prevent cutting; as long as the ground beneath is firm enough to carry the machinery without causing damage, ruts, or turf tearing, we proceed as scheduled.
In periods of heavy or sustained rain where cutting risks scalping the turf or damaging the soil structure, works are paused immediately. When cuts must be postponed for severe weather, catch-up visits are rescheduled as soon as conditions allow.
If you’ve noticed a problem with the grass cutting service, please let us know so we can work with the contractors to resolve this quickly.
How we tackle flooding and manage our culverts
In the past, heavy rain has caused overflows at our culverts, with floodwater travelling into nearby streets. We know how stressful and disruptive that can be, so we’ve shifted from just reacting to putting smart, proactive flood defences in place to keep your community safe:
- We’ve installed electronic water-level monitoring systems on key culverts, such as Heol Dyfed. If water levels rise past 50%, our team gets an instant text alert so we can monitor conditions closely and act early.
- Our teams carry out full monthly audits of our culverts, clearing debris and cutting back overgrown plants that could restrict water flow. When severe weather warnings are issued, we check them every single day.
- At high-risk points, we’ve created barrier walls and maintained a dedicated stockpile of emergency sandbags in Maesteg ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to divert runoff into main drainage networks.
- Led by our in-house drainage specialist, we’re procuring smart sensors and exploring live camera feeds across our most flood-prone culverts to catch problems before they start.
- We work alongside Bridgend County Borough Council to make sure public street drains connect cleanly and stay unblocked.
Who owns and manages what?
Not all outdoor spaces in your community belong to us. Open land, roads, and pavements across the borough are split between us, Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC), and private landowners.
Need help with Council-owned land or public services?
If an issue falls on land owned by the local authority, such as adopted pavements, highway drains, or public road verges, please visit the Bridgend County Borough Council Website to report it directly to their team.
Your frequently asked questions
- How do I report an overgrown, dangerous, or overhanging tree?
If the tree is on land owned by us, please fill out our online report form or email us at thehub@v2c.org.uk. If it is on council land or a public highway verge, please report it to BCBC. - Can you prune a tree that blocks my sunlight or satellite signal?
In line with our Tree Management Policy, we don’t pollard or remove trees solely because they block sunlight or satellite reception. - Can you cut back a tree in my personal garden?
Under your tenancy agreement, trees inside your private garden boundary are your responsibility. - What should I do about fallen leaves?
If leaves fall inside your private garden, they are your responsibility to clear. If fallen leaves gather on a shared public footpath owned by us, let us know using our online form and our caretakers or contractors will clear them. - Can I plant flowers or bulbs in my community?
We love seeing neighbours take pride in their area! We just ask that you get in touch using our online form first. This ensures the area is safe and lets our contractors know not to mow over your bulbs.
- Who looks after footpaths on our estates?
Both our in-house community caretaking team and Countrywide run a cyclical maintenance programme to keep paths clear of moss, weeds, and trip hazards. If a footpath on your estate needs attention, drop us a message through our online form. - Who is responsible for blocked drains?
Drains within your personal property boundary are your responsibility. If a drain is blocked on a shared road or path owned by us, report it to us. For drains on adopted public roads and highways, please report them directly to BCBC. - Who handles street lighting issues?
If the lamp column is on our land, complete our online form and include the column number. For lighting along public roads and highways, report it via the BCBC Report an Issue portal.
Need to report an estate issue?
If you notice an issue on our land, or if you’d like to share photos of how our grass cutting is going, we’re here to help:
- Online: Fill in our quick contact form
- Email: thehub@v2c.org.uk
- Phone: 0300 123 2100
(For missed household rubbish/recycling collections, bulky waste pickups, or fly-tipping on council roads, please visit bridgend.gov.uk).