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Broombusters need help for final push in Parksville Qualicum Beach

Cuts are planned for the area behind Wembley Mall, around the Oceanside Health Care Centre, the Alberni Highway, Grafton Road and Hwy 4

As the weather improves, Broombusters will continue their full assault on the invasive Scotch broom lining many local roads with pretty yellow flowers.

"Many Broombusters have been working on their own, and broom is disappearing," said society president Joanne Sales adding that there is only a week or so left to be able to cut broom while it's still in bloom.

After recent cuts in Coombs, Hilliers, Parksville and Qualicum Beach and TV coverage, the group is hoping more people will join them for a final big push.

Cuts are planned this week for the area behind Wembley Mall, around the Oceanside Health Care Centre, the Alberni Highway, Grafton Road and Highway 4.

The Mediterranean plant was introduced to North America for aesthetic reasons in Sooke in the 1850s and has since spread to much of the province and is particularly dense in open areas on the east side of Vancouver Island. People might enjoy the flowers, but broom is called "the scourge of pastureland" because it takes over, damages farms, prevents forest re-growth, is a fire hazard and is toxic to some animals.

For more information on planned cuts, or how to do it on your own contact Sales at 250-752-4816, info@broombuters.org or check www.broombusters.org.