Sub-tropical weather turnsestates into concrete jungle

Mr Thompson raised concerns about the problem of both weeds and broken kerbstones in Caw, Nelson Drive and Lincoln Courts.

He said some of the weeds were waist high and others posed a health hazard as they made local footpaths very slippery when wet.

“It’s been a long term problem but one that’s been exacerbated by the recent good weather,” said Mr Thompson.

“Some of these weeds are waist high and flowering and some of them are very, very slippery underfoot when wet.”

The DUP Alderman said delapidated kerbstones were also an issue and that the party has been in touch with Roads Service about the issue.

A spokesperson for Roads Service told the Sentinel: “Due to the recent dry spell of weather, there has been a sudden growth of weeds in many areas of the City.

“Our weed spraying contractor is active, but for the chemicals to work effectively dry conditions are required otherwise the weed killer is just washed off the weeds by the rain before it has had time to take effect.”

The spokesperson advised, however, that not all the road and street infrastructure in the estates was theirs.

“Not all of the weed growth in the Caw, Nelson Drive or Lincoln Courts areas is on land controlled by DRD Roads Service. The issue of the broken kerbstones is currently under investigation. Any defects noted will be prioritised and repaired in accordance with our road maintenance policies and standards.”