Dog walkers have hit out at West Lothian Council for failing to chop down lengthy grass, saying they’re being put susceptible to tick bites and Lyme illness.
Many canine walkers and different individuals who use Burghmuir Park in Bathgate say there’s an elevated because of the lengthy grass there.
They stated regardless of complaints to council, employees solely minimize spherical the sides, leaving the remaining to develop lengthy.
Ticks are a parasite that thrive in lengthy grass and their chunk can result in Lyme Disease.
Typical signs embrace fever, headache, fatigue, and a attribute pores and skin rash referred to as erythema migrans. If left untreated, an infection can unfold to joints, the center, and the nervous system.
One canine walker, who requested to not be named, stated: “I’m a canine proprietor/walker and have interaction with others walking their dogs.
“One of the canine walkers approached me and confirmed me image on his telephone of the tick and the chunk. He steadily walks his canine within the park so it couldn’t have come from anyplace else. He received in contact with council final week resulting from size of grass.
“The grass was cut the other day, but they only cut the perimeters edge of the park.”
A West Lothian Council spokesperson stated a survey carried out final 12 months indicated many individuals desire grassy areas to stay ‘natural’.
He continued: “We launched no-mow areas to a lot of parks and open areas throughout West Lothian to enhance biodiversity in the previous few years.
“We did this following suggestions from the general public, with nearly all of respondents to a survey carried out in 2021 indicating they want us to take a versatile strategy to grass reducing, making certain that paths and entry is maintained whereas permitting the remainder of the grass to develop naturally.
“Ticks are frequent all through Scotland in woodland, heath and grassy areas, and might even be present in gardens. We have just lately labored with the Lyme Resource Centre to raises consciousness of ticks and the hazards of Lyme Disease with West Lothian residents.
“We would encourage everyone to be aware of the steps they can take to avoid lyme disease, such as staying on maintained paths, wearing light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and trousers and checking yourself, pets and children after outdoor activity. More information at www.lymeresourcecentre.com.”
