Exeter Conservatives wage war on weeds as part of campaign backed by Environment Secretary

Members of Exeter Conservatives are waging war on weeds as part of a campaign to clean up the South West’s streets, beaches and countryside, which has been backed by Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers.

There have been lengthy delays in weed-spraying across Exeter after the contractor used by the Labour-led city council was held up.

The contractor had been due to start work in Exeter in mid to late July but had still not arrived by early September.

Katherine New, deputy chair of Exeter Conservatives, is organising a weeding session in Heavitree on Saturday(10.30am to midday), supported by councillors and volunteers.

She said: “It is disappointing the council was not able to bring forward a solution.

“Residents tell us they feel ashamed of how the city looks, so we are taking action together to remove and tame weeds and spruce up our streets.

“Manual weeding is more environmentally-friendly than spraying anyway.

“We’re keen to support residents to address the problem. If your street is overrun with weeds, please e-mail us at office@exeterconservatives.co.uk.”

The weeding session forms part of The Big Clean, organisedby South West Conservatives.

The campaign will see MPs, councillors and volunteers lead or join more than 20 events at hotspots across the region this weekend, including 13 in Devon.

Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers has today (Tuesday 17 September) encouraged local people to join in.

She said: “The Big Clean is an excellent campaign and I congratulate all organisers and volunteers for their efforts to bring communities together, protect the environment and change the mindset of those who blight it.

“Please join an event near you this weekend and play your part in the mission to leave the environment in a better state than we found it.”

Peter Booth, chairman of South West Conservatives, is leading the regional campaign and plans to join as many events as he can.

He said: “Following the huge success of The Big Beach Clean in September 2018, when over 400 volunteers of all ages took part in events across the South West, we were keen to extend this year’s campaign to include streets, parks and open spaces.

“These events are a fun way to help the local community and preserve our beautiful countryside – and we’d be delighted to welcome local people who are able to spare some time.”