I recently took a walk in the peaceful area of Canvey Heights. It was the first time I had been able to get there for three years.
I was appalled to see the presence of webs containing the caterpillars of the brown-tailed moth.
These insects eat foliage voraciously and the hairs on the caterpillars can cause a painful reaction if they come into contact with the skin.
As soon as I could, I phoned Castle Point Council and was told it was attending to the matter.
I also spoke to councillor Dave Blackwell’s staff at his garden centre and he sent me a message saying the council had said the infestation was too far gone and was not touching it. Councillor Blackwell was not happy with the situation, and neither was I.
About 45 years ago, this caterpillar was rife on Canvey. The council at the time issued free DDT to residents, although we now know this chemical was harmful.
However, my husband used to cut down the webs and burn them in an incinerator. Why can’t the council do the same?
Not only are we seeing natural trees felled, we now have the foliage of these trees and bushes being eaten by these caterpillars.
Is the situation being ignored because it is on Canvey Island?
Peggy Greenwood
St Anne’s Road
Canvey
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