VULNERABLE residents have been left without vital garden services throughout the pandemic, a councillor has warned.

The assisted garden maintenance scheme was suspended by Glasgow City Council (GCC) in March this year when lockdown restrictions came into force across the UK.

GCC claimed halting the programme allowed staff to carry out essential work, such as cleansing and crematoria upkeep.

All applications for those looking to apply for the programme have also been ceased.

However, Councillor Paul Carey says dozens of his constituents throughout the Drumchapel/Anniesland ward have complained as their outdoor spaces become unmanageable.

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The Labour politician has demanded to know why the service, which is understood to help thousands of elderly and vulnerable people across the city, is unable to resume given that work can be done outdoors and while social distancing.

He said: “I am deeply disappointed at the lack of help for those using the garden maintenance scheme.

“It is totally unacceptable that this administration has abandoned it when a number of people rely on this service.

“There are thousands of people who need help with their gardens in this city and these are the people that are the most vulnerable in our society, yet it’s been abandoned at a time when many may only have their garden as a source of fresh air to support their mental health.”

The scheme is currently open to any council taxpayer who is over 70-years-old or who has a medical condition which prevents them from looking after their outdoor space.

Disabled people aged 16 to 69-years-old can also apply.

The council provides two hedge cuts and seven grass trims throughout the year.

In a statement on the local authority website, GCC asks users, if they are able to do so, to cut their own grass or ask a friend or relative to do so in a bid shred clippings while the service is not operating.

A council spokesman said: “We have received just a handful of complaints since the garden maintenance programme was suspended in March.

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“From our observations householders have received support from friends or family who have been willing to undertake basic gardening tasks.

“We are grateful to those who have helped out during an extremely difficult time.

“The impact of Covid-19 has undoubtedly taken its toll on this service with various restrictions on transport and shielding making the safe delivery of the service unachievable.

“We will continue to keep the service and how it is funded under review.”