A SOCIAL enterprise group is one of the bidders currently being vetted by a town council as it considers taking more town maintenance powers from county council level.

A deal is on the table for Marlow Town Council to take control of its own grass and hedge cutting as County Hall looks to devolve more of its powers to a local level.

Mayor Suzanne Brown slammed current council grass maintenance this summer, claiming Marlow was left looking ‘horrible’ after council cuts to services.

Members are now looking at the options ahead of making a decision over whether to take or leave the offer, including considering a social enterprise group to deliver the services.

But a working group set up to look at the plan has ruled out doing the extra work in-house, and will also press ahead without looking to strike a deal involving a ‘cluster’ of other neighbouring parishes.

The devolution deal, worth £23,245 for 2015/16, would only apply to roads with a 30mph speed limit and below.

However, members urged caution due to unceratainty over funding levels from Bucks County Council once the initial four years agreement is up.

A decision is expected by the end of the month.