Fears over wasteland full of ‘dangerous plants and dead cats’

Horrified families claimed dead cats, dirty beds and dangerous plants were found in a wasteland near where children play.

The disused patch of land supports Didsbury Close in Kirkby and has been the subject of numerous complaints from local residents. The photos show a fenced area with a gate opening onto 10m high weeds and overgrown pasture covering assorted debris, heavy waste and full of flying insects.

Worryingly, residents have reported seeing rotting animals and a dangerous plant.

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I spoke to Paul, who has friends and family who live in the area, and he described the neglected patch as an “ecological nightmare” right in the middle of a residential area. He said: “There’s literally all kinds out there.

“There’s hogweed, rubbish, bedbugs and bugs flying around. Before the grass became overgrown, you could see dead animals there. You can smell it.

“It’s an ecological nightmare.”

Paul said there are many people in the community who are upset about what happened in the area and are trying to get the issues resolved by the owner. Paul also listened to the concerns of the many local residents who are concerned about their safety, the public health impact on the community and whether the wasteland has become a hazard – particularly the reported hogweed. He said: “I didn’t know but apparently hogweed can kill you and cause serious burns.

“There are definitely dead cats in there as well as rats. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a nesting place for rats, but I can’t prove it because the area is like a jungle now.”

Hogweed is a benign plant that poses no danger. What Paul believes he has seen is evidence of giant hogweed, which can grow up to five meters tall and is considered a public health hazard. Giant hogweed can cause severe burns, scarring and even permanent blindness. Its sap is phototoxic, meaning humans can easily blister when exposed to the sun, and it can even lead to the death of animals such as dogs.

Just last year, a six-year-old boy was rushed to Arrowe Park Hospital A&E with suspected giant hogweed burns after playing in the sand dunes around Leasowe Bay beach in Wirral. Another report in June 2022 detailed the story of a devastated dog owner who said his beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier died after being stung by giant hogweed in Port Sunlight River Park, also in Wirral.

It has not been confirmed if the plant found in the overgrown desert is giant hogweed. However, locals are understandably very concerned about its reported presence and the risk it poses to children and family pets.

Paul said he appreciates the financial costs of maintaining the land, but believes the area has become so degraded that something needs to be done as a priority: “It’s been left to deteriorate.

“I don’t want to cause trouble, I just don’t want the area to be a tip off.”

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