Our cars are scratched and mums can’t walk on pavement over council’s ridiculous policy – we’re taking a stand
RESIDENTS have slammed a council over a ridiculous policy that has left them unable to use pathways and the streets a mess.
Brighton and Hove City Council opted to scrap the use of weed killers four years ago, instead allowing nature to grow unattended.
But furious residents have hit out at the rewilding project and accused the council of failing to find an alternative to managing the town’s weeds.
Pedestrians now face having to walk along weed-strewn pavements, with some now inaccessible.
Lesley Fallowfield, a professor at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, revealed she had been left on crutches after tripping on overgrown weeds around her home.
Residents have now been forced to take matters into their own hands, with many weeding pavements and verges themselves.
They worry the seaside town, popular among tourists, especially during the summer months, is beginning to resemble “a dump”.
Jeremy Wright says he believes the overgrown streets of Hove are a real danger to pedestrians.
The 63-year-old explained that he regularly sees mothers with prams struggling to get around massive plants forcing their way up through the pavement.
He added: “I run down this road quite regularly. If there is any other person on the pavement you can’t get two people down the road at the same time.
“I think the smaller streets are even worse.”
Mr Wright, who retired from working in the NHS, said he can see how drivers would be frustrated with overhanging and overgrown bushes on the pavements.
He continued: “The streets just look a mess. It must be very frustrating for people who do have cars to see them getting scratched or stuff landing on them when they are parked on the street.
“Prams and wheelchairs must find it very difficult too and families with little kids. It must be a pain for them.”
Mr Wright said he is aware the new Labour-run council is making efforts to tidy up the city.
“I haven’t seen anywhere where it has been cleaned up yet, though.
“Street cleaners should be give secateurs and asked to prune the weeds as they go.”
Producer Jess Hull says she has to run around giant weeds on her jogs around the area.
Jess, 40, added: “They are so big, I keep getting hit in the face by bushes.
It’s even harder where the streets are narrower and there are bins.”
Sixth form student Faye Stout, 16, said while the overgrown streets are noticeable the do not give her any cause for concern.
She added: “It’s a problem, but I’m all for growing.
“It could be pruned back though.”
Brighton and Hove Council has been approached for comment.