Trade union workers are warning of a dangerous plant sweeping Glasgow’s parks and have claimed less affluent areas with parks are being neglected by the city’s council. GMB Scotland Park convenors say that hogweed is sweeping through overgrown parks across the city this summer after grass-cutting was cut by two-thirds in recent years. The plant is commonly known to be dangerous and can cause severe blisters and third-degree burns if exposed to sunlight and it can even cause blindness if sap from the exotic plant reaches the eyes.
John McArthur, GMB Scotland parks convenor at Glasgow City Council, claims that hogweed is now being found in places where it has never been seen before due to the lack of maintenance from the local authority, and that ‘bio-diversity’ is being used as an excuse for overgrown and neglected parks across the city. He said: “It used to be only on riverbanks or near burns, but we are seeing it all over now. “The grass is being allowed to grow and hogweed is growing along with it and self-seeding.
“Whenever we find it or get reports, we spray. But it’s out of control now.” “The council claims to be supporting biodiversity but critics say other towns and cities have refused to adopt similar policies because the cost of reinstating and restoring overgrown parks will be prohibitive.
“The lack of maintenance not only reduces the ability of Glaswegians to enjoy the city’s parks, but long grass can also hide other dangers such as dog foul.