Get tough on ragwort (From Western Telegraph)

Get tough on ragwort

DEAR EDITOR, - Considerable publicity to the ragwort problem has been given by the media in recent weeks.

In spite of this it is alarming to see very little being done to contain the spread of this dangerous weed even though legislation has been enacted which makes it an offence for landowners and local authorities to permit its growth on their land.

The infestation which now exists in Pembrokeshire is worse than it has ever been, yet there is little evidence of any real effort being made to eradicate it.

Now is the time to deal with this weed. In August it is in flower and can be easily located and pulled by hand. The local authorities should set an example by getting the roadside verges cleared.

Maybe the Ministry of Agriculture could also do its bit by having a word with those landowners who are disregarding their responsibility to keep their land clear of the weed.

GRAHAME BARRETT Carew.