Residents blast council rewilding claiming it brings rats and dog poo (2024)

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Residents in Derbyshire have slammed their local council for a 'rewilding' scheme which they say has only brought rats, ticks and dog poo.

Erewash Borough Council promised their rewilding projects would 'create colourful meadows which encourage rare native plant species' and boost local wildlife, but locals complained that all that seems to have happened is a reduction in grass cutting.

Some living next to the 'untidy' areas have even took it upon themselves to mow the long grass themselves.

Ahead of a council meeting on Thursday, a slew of angry residents submitted questions and comments to express their disapproval before a motion to change the grass cutting schedule was approved.

A Mr Snowdon expressed his 'dismay' at 'an increase in antisocial behaviour' since one park's grass has been left to grow longer - which he says has been exploited as a place to leave dog poo and litter laughing gas canisters.

He added: 'I have also witnessed high speed electric motorbikes racing around and hiding in the park, all this contributes to a "broken window" effect which is making me think twice about letting my children play on the park.

'We should be encouraging children to play outside and have a healthy mental and physical lifestyle, and this policy prevents that.'

Another local, Ms Bramley, noted the increased risk of ticks which comes with longer grass and implored the council to at least fence off the new 'meadow' areas.

The Labour council's rewilding plan, named 'Wild About Erewash' was launched in March and involved less frequent mowing of various sites, but clarified areas such as sports fields would remain as they were and paths would be cut around parks to ensure public right of way.

But some locals took matters into their own hands when they became 'fed up' with the 'untidy' areas.

Sharing a video of two neighbours mowing one of the rewilding areas, Moira Barclay posted: 'I don't think the council realise how it is now having a detrimental affect on peoples mental health with every where looking such a mess.

'There is lots more dog mess about and litter because everywhere looks such a mess. Enough is enough now.'

A message of support read: 'Shame on the council.'

Erewash Borough Council do make clear that 'verges under EBC’s remit will not be policed should residents decide to cut the grass themselves'.

Conservative councillor Paul Maginnis also shared his personal difficulties with the long grass.

He explained that he runs football sessions in the area and though the pitches have been upkept, the long grass has led to the expensive loss of 10 footballs in a few months.

'We spend nearly as much time trying to find the balls than we do playing the game,' he revealed.

Mr Maginnis added Erewash council's reserves have increased in the last year and 'pleaded' with the incumbent Labour councillors to use this money to cut the grass down.

FellowToryCouncillors Wayne Major and Steve Bilbie called on the council to reverse its recent changes to grass cutting in a motion which was passed following an amendment on August 1.

EvenGreen Party councillorAnn Mills has expressed disapproval of the so-called rewilding measures.

She said: 'Rewilding is more than just not cutting the grass but to many residents of Breaston this is the only evidence of rewilding they can see.'

Ms Mills was among those who found the aim of rewilding a valid one, but slammed the delivery of this policy, asking 'what lessons have been learnt and what improvements in communication and implementation we can expect to see in future?'

However, Erewash's newly elected Labour MP, Adam Thompson, has hit back saying rewilding 'takes a couple of years to come good'.

Labour