The Department of Infrastructure is to scale back its hedge-cutting and weeding operations as a result of budget constraints.

It says it will carry on trimming hedges which obstruct highways, sight lines or road signs but may charge land owners for the work.

The Department says it doesn’t have any money to remove weeds throughout the Island but will spray towns and villages as well as main roads. Agreements have been signed with local authorities in Douglas, Castletown, Peel and Onchan to spray weed killer around their roads.

Departmental member Leonard Singer MHK says householders and businesses should remove weeds from outside their own properties where possible.

He says although there’s less money for trimming hedges, the cutbacks will be good news for wildlife.

And he says the public needs to recognise there’s less money for services across government and the department has to make tough choices about spending.