Brighton is facing an invasion of dangerous varieties of weeds following the decision to enforce a ban on pesticides across the city.
The ban dates back to 2019, when the Brighton and Hove City Council stopped the use of any pesticides or herbicides containing harmful chemicals citywide.
However, dissenting voices are growing after residents noted that the weeds have now become out of control with wet weather making roads and pavements hazardous to the public, especially the older citizens.
The issue has meant that there are now people who have required hospital treatment after tripping on weeds that grow between paving stones, many with head injuries.
Local councillors are now campaigning for changes to be made, with great concern for the vulnerable residents that due to their ages or disabilities will be most at risk of a serious injury or worse due to the current state.
A petition has also been launched, with hundreds of residents already having signed as a way to put pressure on the council, the only one with a Green Party council, to get control of the weeds.
The wording of the document petitions the council to effectively manage the increasing weeds, which will cost the taxpayer and divert funds from other future projects which could lead to detriments in other areas.
In a statement, Brighton and Hove City Council state that there is a need to increase biodiversity to combat ecological emergencies facing the city.
Wild flower species have been allowed to grow following the ban, meaning that more habitats have been created for bees and other wildlife, and claim that many residents have reacted positively to this and have complained when removed.
In response to the issues experienced, the council have recruited additional staff to undertake the removal of the weeds by hand, which was successful until Covid-19 caused a staff shortage at a time when a warm summer encouraged faster growth of certain weeds.
The council has also reached out to contractors to try to speed up the response time of the weed removal scheme.
Photo Credit: Valentin Sirbu
