CLEARANCE of nuisance weeds around Canvey town centre is being delayed because they have been made “toxic” by car fumes, council chiefs have said.

Residents are becoming increasingly angry with the number of weeds sprouting from pavements, kerbs and outside shop fronts in High Street, Foksville Road, Furtherwick Road and Knightswick Road.

They have not been cleared for months by either Essex County Council or Castle Point Council, which share responsibliity for keeping the pavements and roadside clear, and many of the weeds are now over a foot tall.

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, could not believe his ears when he complained about them to an Essex County Council highways officer. He was told it takes longer to chop down and dispose of weeds in the town centre, rather than residential streets, because the area is used by lots more cars and their fumes make the vegetation potentially toxic.

He said: “The weeds are the worst I have ever seen on the island. “We’re constantly being told to take more pride in our community, but you can understand why people despair.

“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when I was told the weeds are toxic. “People who live in the town centre cut their grass and put it in the green waste disposal, which is taken away by the council, no problems. What’s different about weeds?”

A spokeswoman for Essex County Council admitted clearance of weeds was delayed because of car fumes. But she stressed the weeds are not poisonous to humans. However, they cannot be composted or burned with other vegetation collected from households, as they could contaminate other green waste and potentially harm the environment.

She said: “With regards to the weeds being ‘toxic’, the issue is that weeds growing at the side of the highway have been contaminated by vehicle exhaust fumes.

“The council is still able to dispose of these weeds, but they undergo a slightly different process in order to protect the environment.”

However, the spokesman added: “Essex County Council was not made aware of this weed growth.

“If councillors or residents have specific concerns about areas that should be cleared of vegetation, it should be raised with Castle Point Council, which will make an assessment and pass it over to the county council for implementation.”