Written by Karin Tearle, resident of Park Ward.
Photo taken on Point Hill. The plants around the metal barrier do not pose a problem but these were sprayed, which looks much worse than green plants. We did not sweep these up because we didn't want to contaminate tools nor compost heap or bin.
In December 2023 I sent an email to my two councillors in Park Ward including Cllr Averil Lekau, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, to opt out of glyphosate broadcast spraying on my street. I‘m particularly concerned about the environmental effects such a toxic product is having on our urban environment.
Also, a council contract costing about £500k was about to be renewed so I explained Lambeth Council had introduced a community weeding scheme and asked why we couldn't do the same (sadly, this costly contract was approved).
In addition, I sent a letter to my neighbours asking if they could support me in my wish to manually weed the area outside our block of flats and they wholeheartedly agreed.
In June 2024 I eventually received positive news from a council officer confirming the council would assist me. Address coordinates were provided and they sent out a letter to my neighbours to confirm the scheme called 'Volunteer Weed Management' would be in place from September 2024. Hayley Jeffery also persuaded the council to opt out on her street in Greenwich Park so we really hope this project can be rolled out elsewhere in Greenwich. In fact, we have been contacted by several residents including Our Ladye Star of the Sea church who have shown interest and I know of many local volunteer and Friends groups who are passionate about their environment and who would want to be a part of this.
If this has inspired you and you have any questions at all feel free to reach out to Karin at ggcommunitynetwork@gmail.com
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