A 6ft tall weed is typical of the "shocking state" of car parks in Morecambe, said a town councillor.
Councillor Geoff Knight commented on the overgrown weeds in car parks and on the Promenade during a Morecambe Town Council meeting on Thursday.
Councillor Knight said: "I was in the Morecambe Library car park on Central Drive, coming out of there, and there was one weed that was 6ft high.
"The car parks are in a shocking state.
"Some of the car parking spaces you can't even get into, because they are so overgrown."
Beyond Radio visited the car park on Friday, September 20 and photographed the weed in question, which is indeed over 6ft tall (below).
Councillor Knight proposed that the town council work with Lancaster City Council, who own many of the town's car parks and the Promenade, to tackle the weed problem.
It was suggested that the town council's Town Rangers, a team of employees who tackle weeds in other areas of Morecambe, be allowed to "take on the challenge" of weeding the Promenade and city council-owned car parks.
The Town Rangers team came about after the town council successfully bid for the districtwide weeding contract and became the first all-electric weeding service in the county.
The photos below show weeds on the Promenade, pictured on September 19 2024.
The proposal from Councillor Knight said: "Morecambe Town Council has been receiving regular complaints about the unsightly and unmanaged weed growth along the Promenade and in car parks across Morecambe.
"These areas, managed by Lancaster City Council, have seen minimal improvement despite past efforts to engage contractors for manual weed removal.
"In some cases, weeds have been thrown over the promenade wall into the shore, rather than being properly dealt with, which only exacerbates the problem.
"To effectively address this issue, weeds need to be treated with a product that targets their roots and prevents regrowth.
"While the town council understands Lancaster City Council’s reservations regarding products containing glyphosate, there are other products marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives that can achieve effective results.
"Morecambe Town Council is willing to explore these alternative options and work with the City Council to identify and cost solutions that can be implemented sustainably.
"The aim would be to find a resolution where the city council covers the costs, while Morecambe Town Council provides the necessary officer/equipment support to maintain and manage the weed growth.
"The Town Rangers, who work tirelessly to maintain Morecambe’s public spaces, have no authority over city council-managed land but still receive numerous complaints about these areas,
"The unchecked weed growth also makes efforts to control weeds on the highway more challenging due to seed dispersal, which continues to worsen the weed problem across the town."
Councillor Margaret Pattison, from Labour, who is on both the city and town council, said: "Lancaster City Council do a good job in some places, like the Shrimp Roundabout and the park in Torrisholme. We can't just trash them."
Councillor Knight also made a proposal asking for 'regular phased spring bedding plant schemes' in Morecambe.
It said: "For several years, Morecambe has been without spring bedding plant schemes, which has diminished the visual appeal of our public spaces.
"Lancaster City Council previously indicated that due to resource limitations, it is no longer able to undertake this work.
"Recognising the importance of well-maintained green spaces for both residents and visitors, councillors of Morecambe Town Council wish to explore the possibility of reintroducing phased spring planting to enhance our town’s public areas.
"The introduction of phased spring bedding plant schemes in Morecambe will bring significant economic and social benefits to the town, enhancing both its visual appeal and the wellbeing of the local community."
After two separate votes, the town council agreed to Councillor Knight's motions on weeding and spring planting.
The full proposals can be found HERE.
A spokesperson for Lancaster City Council said: “We always welcome the opportunity to work with the district’s parish and town councils to improve services to the communities that we all serve.
“Disappointingly, we weren’t approached for formal discussions on the specific issues in the motions prior to them being brought to Morecambe Town Council, but we would be very happy to meet with their representatives to discuss the issues raised.
“A meeting between the two councils is already in the diary for October 18 so issues like this can be discussed in a hopefully constructive and collaborative manner.”
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