The Conservatives have slammed Labour’s claims that the Tories are partially responsible for weeds growing on the city’s pavements.

In campaign literature, Labour has blamed the Conservatives and Greens for overgrown weeds on the streets of Brighton and Hove, which have caused issues for disabled people, pet owners and children.

However, the Conservatives claim the root cause of the problem was the decision to ban glyphosate use in 2019, when Labour was last in administration.

The intention had been to eliminate the use of dangerous pesticides and replace them with viable alternatives.

However, the ban means weeds have taken over some pavements and streets and residents have called for action to tackle the problem.

The Argus:

Samer Bagaeen, Conservative candidate for Westdene and Hove Park, said Labour was “not being honest with residents”.

She said: “By trying to blame others for their own decisions and mistakes they made while leading the council between 2015 and 2020, Labour is letting themselves and the public down.

“It is clear that Labour has not learnt their lessons from their time leading the council, a period during which they implemented many disastrous policies that have set basic services back years, wasted millions of pounds and which residents are still paying the price for today.

“In housing alone, for example, there are over 10,000 people waiting for repairs on a backlog after Labour ‘insourced’ this service.

“Until Labour are honest with themselves and the public about their record, nothing will change in the city and the council will continue to flounder.”

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Labour has promised to launch a “war on weeds” in their election manifesto to make streets safer for children, the elderly, and people with reduced mobility.

The party’s manifesto reads: “We won’t return to the use of harmful glyphosates, but we will work with our communities on targeted environmental and sustainable solutions, protecting human health, enabling nature to flourish and ensuring streets are managed to a high standard and are accessible to tall.”

Warren Morgan, former council leader and Labour candidate for Westdene and Hove Park, accused the Conservatives of spreading “disinformation”.

He said: “Under my leadership, we kicked out the Greens in 2015 and, with the Tories only seriously contesting a few wards in these elections, only Labour can do it again in May.

“Of course, it was a Green and Conservative ‘coalition’ that agreed the i360 loan, which now means we pay £2.2 million in debt payments every year, and it’s the Conservative government’s cuts that mean paying for basics like pothole repair, weed clearance and street cleaning get harder and harder all the time they are in power.”

Voters go to the polls across the city to elect 54 councillors on May 4.

In a first for elections in Brighton and Hove, people will need to present photo ID at polling stations in order to cast their ballot.

Those without a suitable form of ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate via the government’s website - the deadline for applications is 5pm on April 25.