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

Council cosses have asked residents to have ‘patience’ and ‘understanding’ as more concerns are raised about the condition of pavements.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“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.

Residents have raised concerns about overgrown weeds in Whitburn.Residents have raised concerns about overgrown weeds in Whitburn.
Residents have raised concerns about overgrown weeds in Whitburn.

"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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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

Weeds on Croftside Avenue, Whitburn.Weeds on Croftside Avenue, Whitburn.
Weeds on Croftside Avenue, Whitburn.

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’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

The council are said to be 12 weeks behind with its weed treatment service due to the pandemic.The council are said to be 12 weeks behind with its weed treatment service due to the pandemic.
The council are said to be 12 weeks behind with its weed treatment service due to the pandemic.

“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.

Read More
The South Shields street where FIVE neighbours are celebrating a lucky lottery w...
One resident is said to have fallen while out walking her dog.One resident is said to have fallen while out walking her dog.
One resident is said to have fallen while out walking her dog.

A message from the Editor

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Shields Gazette website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.