Row erupts over ‘deadly’ ragwort

A bright yellow roadside plant has caused a dispute between a farmers’ union, horse owners and Oldham Council.

Clumps of ragwort have appeared across Saddleworth and other parts of the borough in recent weeks. Now, the National Farmers’ Union is urging its members and the public to destroy the plant which can kill livestock.

The union has been backed by horse-lovers who are pulling the deadly weed from its summer habitat of drystone walls and the edges of fields.

And they are indignant that Oldham Council says ragwort is important for bio-diversity for insects and fungi.

Tim Coy, of the National Farmers’ Union, which represents many moorland farms in Saddleworth, said: “The weed is a deadly threat to cattle and sheep.

“It should be pulled up and burned immediately. It can cause severe problems to livestock.

“There are Government guidelines laid down about the weed. Anyone who plans to tackle its removal should wear protective gloves and take great care their unprotected skin does not come into contact with it.”

Healthcare professional Eileen Kilroy-Power, of Scouthead, owns a 22-year-old horse, Chloe.

She said: “It’s a red herring to say it helps the biodiversity. Ragwort’s effects on horses and livestock can be devastating.

“In the case of horses, the weed can cause agonising liver damage which means the animal can face an horrific death.

“I have destroyed masses of the weed. My real concern it that the plant is due to shed its seeds which means it could easily spread much wider and cause even more potential problems.”

However, Councillor Mark Alcock, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for the environment and infrastructure, said: “We are aware of the Ragwort Control Bill and follow a strategic approach to whether action needs to be taken in any areas where it grows — for example, where it might affect grazing animals. Ragwort is actually extremely important for bio-diversity, up to 30 species of insects and 14 species of fungi are reliant on it. In some areas, it is also a critical source of nectar for bees. Overall, the council is taking a balanced approach.”

Ragwort is one of five injurious weeds covered by the provisions of a Government act in 1959. Enforcement notices can be served on owners of land which has the weed.

While the weed has proved deadly for animals, including donkeys, contact with skin may cause an allergic reaction in humans.