Residents asked for 'patience' and 'understanding' as Whitburn is described as a 'giant weed patch'

A Whitburn resident has described the village as a ‘giant weed patch’ after expressing concern that elderly neighbours could be at risk from the ‘dangerous’ pavements.

Susan Smith, of Croftside Avenue, says overgrown weeds have been an issue in the area for a number of years.

“Whitburn is a giant weed patch – the pavements are covered in them and it’s dangerous,” said the 70-year-old, who has lived in the village for 45 years.

"We have elderly neighbours living here in their 80s and 90s.

"A couple of weeks ago one lady tripped in our street when she was out walking her dog. The council came out and cleared the weeds in front of her house but didn’t touch the rest.”

It comes after South Tyneside Council insisted it was ‘committed’ to keep footpaths safe after residents in Jarrow reported similar issues.

Andy Budding, of Hill Park Estate, Jarrow claimed that the overgrown weeds and cracked pavements near his home were an ‘accident waiting to happen’.

The council's weed treatment service which operates throughout the borough restarted in May after the coronavirus lockdown.

It is said to be running around 12 weeks behind due to additional pressures caused by the pandemic.

But bosses have assured residents that they are working as ‘quickly as possible’ to catch up and urged people to have ‘patience’.

A South Tyneside Council spokesperson said: “Following a temporary pause as a result of the pandemic, our weed treatment programme recommenced in May, starting with the Whitburn area, therefore some regrowth is expected.

“We will be starting a second tranche of treatment in the village over the next two weeks, weather depending.

"We are working as quickly as we can to catch up but would ask residents for their patience and understanding."

South Tyneside Council says staff undertake walked safety inspections at least once a year in residential areas to identify any issues, as well as responding to specific complaints regarding damaged paving stones.

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