WHAT can you do when a local authority does not commit to basic ground zero services?

We currently have weeds along our pavements, in all our roads, in Upper Parkstone, to four feet high.

So high and dense they are in places sprawling across pavements. The worst I have seen, by far, in twenty years.

And around car-park landscaping dense clinging and binding weeds overwhelming whole sections of shrubs.

Weeds embedding and seeding with more weeds than shrubs.

It is beyond a disgrace.

Huge failure of our councils to run weed control policy for our surburban areas.

Last year the major issue in Upper Parkstone, as well as rough sleeping with high levels of anti-social behaviour, was large scale fly-tipping around the area left uncleared for months.

These issue are not trivial. They impact on us all. Neglected and run down areas attract in and encourage anti-social behaviour.

A well maintained area is one which says people and authorities care.

New BCP leader Cllr Drew Mellor on appointment last year called for raising standards.

Quite right Cllr Mellor. But as ever where is the action?

Truth is, bottom line, BCP clearly does not have a roads and pavements weed control policy.

And likewise for the landscape left for months to be choked with weeds.

Another service – like public toilets – councils think they can do away with and get away with.

Except of course in central Bournemouth and tourist areas.

But not for the rest of us not living in high profile beach lined tourist areas.

JEFF WILLIAMS

Jubilee Road, Parkstone