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Resident repeatedly spreading ant powder across a public footpath, creating a potential risk to pets, wildlife and the public.

Reported via mobile in the Obstruction on a Road or Pavement category anonymously at 13:26, Friday 17 July 2026

Sent to Merton Council less than a minute later. Council ref: SRQ-1289940-V8W2D5.

A resident is repeatedly spreading ant powder across the full width of a public footpath behind our homes rather than using it within their own garden. The resident confirmed to me that the substance is ant powder. I previously spoke to them after my dog rolled in the powder and asked that it not be spread on the public walkway because of the potential risk to dogs, cats, wildlife and young children who regularly use the path. Despite this, the powder has been reapplied. I have attached photographs showing the extent of the powder on the public footpath. I am requesting that the council investigate whether it is appropriate for pesticides to be applied to a public walkway and take any action necessary to protect public safety and animal welfare.

Updates

  • Thank you for reporting an obstruction on a road or pavement.

    A highway officer will visit to inspect the site within five working days. If we think the obstruction may be dangerous based on the information you give us, we aim to inspect the site within 2 hours. If we decide it is dangerous, we will resolve it within four hours after inspection. If it is not dangerous, we will resolve it within 28 days following the inspection.
    We can take legal action against people who cause obstructions to roads, pavements or footpaths.

    Did you know…?
    We dealt with 130 reports of building materials obstructing a road or pavement in 2024.

    Posted by Merton Council at 13:26, Friday 17 July 2026

  • State changed to: In progress

    Updated by Merton Council at 13:29, Friday 17 July 2026

  • This defect has either already been reported and action taken or has been passed to the relevant service provider to investigate.

    State changed to: Closed

    Posted by Merton Council at 16:57, Monday 20 July 2026

This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.