Parkhill alien vegetation causes concern
After months of public concern the North Crest Primary School has finally begun to clear the overgrown alien invasive plants that have been wrecking havoc on neighbouring properties.
THE Parkhill community has been growing increasingly concerned about an overgrown piece of land on the property of North Crest Primary School. The alien vegetation has been threatening neighbouring properties’ fences and there have also been health concerns raised.
Adjacent neighbours on Eastview Road, Wendy and Gerald Stanley, first approached the school in November.
“It has reached epic proportions. Some of the vegetation is pushing my wall and I fear that it will collapse at any moment. There is also some of the vegetation creeping onto another neighbour’s electrical fence. He has not been able to switch it on for a long time. Snakes and rats are also a major concern,” said Gerald.
However, the school has assured the Northglen News and its neighbours that they do have an action plan in place. “We have been considering three options over the past several months. We understand the urgency of the matter,” said deputy principal, Dr Sara Moodley.
The school’s first attempt was to have some funds allocated for an external company to clear the vegetation, but the governing body deemed it too expensive.
They then considered rallying assistance from parents, but realised that such a volunteer-based endeavour would take too long, and opted for the final option.
“We asked our three groundsmen to determine if the task was feasible for them to clean during the July holidays. They have agreed to clear the area and we will be able to compensate them for their time. We trust that they will be able to clear as much of the vegetation as possible and we will be maintaining the issue from there,” said Moodley.
Residents confirmed that the cutting of the vegetation had begun over the weekend.
