A road in Bucklesham had to be closed to remove a poisonous plant on an overgrown path near a primary school. 

Concerns were raised by Bucklesham parish councillors on several occasions regarding hemlock growing along the public footpath close to Bucklesham Primary School.  

The plant can easily be mistaken for cow parsley, but is in fact poisonous to humans and animals.

All parts of the plant are toxic if consumed. It can also cause a painful rash if touched, especially if the person then makes contact with their eyes. 

“It is dangerous for children to brush past the hemlock and touch it,” said Councillor David Brinkley, chair of the parish council.  

“If they were to digest it, it would be a disaster." 

The public footpath leading towards the primary school has become so overgrown with hemlock, as well as brambles and stinging nettles, that pedestrians were having to being forced to walk in the road. 

Cllr Brinkley explained that the parish council had reported the overgrowth to Suffolk County Council (SCC) on several occasions.  

A parish council meeting was held on Wednesday, July 5, and was attended by Cllr Patti Mulcahy from SCC, who represents the area. 

According to the minutes of the meeting, Cllr Mulcahy reported that “the Highways inspection team had visited the site and deemed the path too dangerous to work on without the complete closure of the road”. 

As a result, the road was closed from 9.30am to 12pm on Monday, July 10, for the undergrowth to be removed.  

This news was welcomed by Cllr Brinkley. He said he hoped that the council would continue to monitor the hemlock, as this is a recurring problem along the footpath each year. 

Headteacher of Bucklesham Primary School Rachael Rudge said that she was pleased the work had been carried out. 

“It is a shame it has taken so long, because it does need doing ever year,” she said. “But I am pleased that the work has now been done, and our children can walk safely to and from school.” 

A spokesperson for Suffolk County Council said: “The vegetation along Main Road, Bucklesham has now been cut back. 

“Whilst Suffolk Highways does not carry out routine weed treatment to Hemlock, we will continue to inspect this location to ensure the safety of all road users.”