SDLP: Spraying weeds not enough to tackle problem

This week the SDLP in Strabane have called on Roads Service to do more than “just spraying weed killer”, to tackle the weed problem in the Strabane District.

Speaking on the matter was SDLP Strabane District Councillor Patsy Kelly who said “Tackling Strabane’s weed problem has been one of the Strabane SDLP’s main priorities. We have been lobbying constantly to ensure that Strabane and the surrounding areas weeds are kept under control. We have argued continuously that problems like weeds, that make an area look dirty and un-kept, have a detrimental effect on potential investment, tourism and jobs.”

“Our office has been inundated with complaints from around the district regarding weeds and after or lobbying DRD Roads Service have been out and sprayed them with weed killer. Unfortunately it has come to our attention that this only results in the vast majority of weeds turning brown. This still leaves the town looking very dirty. We are now calling on Roads Service to physically remove the weeds with a brush and spade.”

Also speaking on the issue was SDLP Representative Liam Stewart who said “We have seen the problem all around Strabane and other areas where the weeds have only been turned brown by the weed killer. Especially bad is along Meetinghouse Street and Townsend Street where I have seen bushes that have been there for years growing along footpaths. These need to be physically removed to prevent them growing back. We will be lobbying Roads Service to have this work carried out throughout the district.”