NI's Infrastructure Minister has refused to attend a meeting to discuss the lack of grass cutting in Belfast.

Alliance Councillor Michael Long accused Minister Chris Hazzard of "hiding in the long grass".

Mr Long made the request after raising constituents' concerns with the Department over the overgrown grass throughout Belfast, which has led to a number of dangerous situations.

However, Minister Hazzard has replied to state that due to an allocation of extra money to roads maintenance activities, "a meeting would not be beneficial at this time".

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Mr Long said: "While it is welcome that more money is being diverted to maintaining our roads and associated issues, the Minister needs to realise there must be wider solutions developed that prevents situations such as overgrown grass becoming such a big issue every year.

"It is therefore disappointing the Minister has refused to meet, particularly given the number of constituents that have come to me with their concerns. While it may not sound like a major issue to some, overgrown grass can lead to dangerous situations such as drivers being unable to see around corners, as well as aesthetic problems."

(CD/LM)