Tent caterpillars at The Ridings that were earmarked for extermination by pesticide are now safe following a U turn by Kent County Council.
Communication sent from KCC originally said targeted insecticide treatment was expected to begin on June 3.
A KCC spokesperson said this was because Brown tail moths “can be a serious risk to health. If the caterpillars come into contact with people, their hairs can cause a painful skin rash and can cause breathing difficulties.”
But ward councillors Marc Rattigan, Barry Manners and Cedric Towning said use of harmful pesticides could be damaging to the eco-system at The Ridings which is a biodiversity area.
They requested that warning signs be put up instead, saying the caterpillars are a vital part of the environment and natural food chain.
KCC has now withdrawn its pesticide plan, saying there is no longer a risk to health.
A KCC spokesperson said: “Following our last inspection of the site, we found that the health risk has since passed due to the caterpillars reaching the pupate stage.
“As the local authority, it is our responsibility to ensure any situation that may pose a risk to public health and safety is checked. Future inspections will be taking place on the site to monitor the situation.”
Cllr Manners said: “This is an excellent example of local democracy. Residents and community groups were consulted prior to the proposed spraying by the relevant KCC officer.
“Objections were made to KCC councillors who made strong representation to officers in Maidstone to reconsider. A win for the local environment and shows what can be achieved by an engaged community and elected representatives who are prepared to listen.
“What we saw here was a good example of how local feeling was listened to, facilitated by responsive county councillors Lesley Game and Ros Binks, and the correct course of action followed. People power does work.
“I would question why KCC failed to consult TDC’s biodiversity team at the earliest opportunity. Lines of communication could be improved in my opinion. I hope this will be reviewed.
“The winner, however, is Foreness Point which is evolving into a nationally significant biodiverse haven for increasingly threatened pollinators.”
