Action on 'scruffy verges' must happen, say Constables

Senior Constable John Niles said the announcement by Environment Committee president Adrian Gabriel that the ban on spraying roadsides with the weedkiller glyphosate wasn't producing the right results was refreshingly honest – but not exactly unexpected.

"When the verges were sprayed the island looked neat and tidy," he said. "Now, the roads most definitely do not and the so-called scruffy verges are among the most common complaints we receive."

He understood why the weedkiller ban had been imposed but disagreed with whether it was really necessary. "I repeat what I said in the summer when this was last discussed: that it was obvious from the start it was a well-intentioned decision but one doomed to failure unless the States put significant resources into keeping the verges weed-free. And they haven't."

Significant
Deputy Gabriel has since said his committee has put in a budget request for a significant amount of money to employ more staff to maintain the roads and it should be known early next month whether that has been successful.

"We will be watching the Budget process very carefully," said Mr Niles, "as not maintaining the roadsides has a material effect on the parish and people are quite frankly fed up with it."

He expected the matter to be raised at November's parish meeting. If it is, the Constables are ready to ask parishioners whether the Vale should take on the task itself.

"Given Deputy Gabriel's comments, we hope it won't come to that, but we have to be prepared – the roadsides and verges cannot be left in their current condition, which has been deteriorating since the weedkiller ban was introduced three or four years ago."