A creeping tide of rust-colored stains is plaguing the streets of Wembley, a visual blight that speaks to a growing problem. Walking along the high street, the marks – remnants of a chewed stimulant called paan – are almost impossible to avoid, splattered near bins and staining the pavement.
For business owners, each morning begins not with opening doors and welcoming customers, but with a frustrating battle against the residue. Hours are spent scrubbing at the unsightly markings, a relentless cycle that leaves the streets scarred and diminished. The substance, a mixture of betel nut and leaf, is notoriously difficult to remove.
Emmanuel Flavius, a street cleaner in the area, describes his job as a “nightmare.” The increasing popularity of paan means more stains, and more time spent attempting the impossible. He explains that powerful acid is the only thing that truly works, a grim necessity in the face of this pervasive mess.
The problem extends far beyond mere aesthetics. A walk along Wembley High Road reveals a shocking scale of contamination. Within minutes, dozens of stains become visible, then scores. Lamp posts and electric boxes are coated, and red streaks mar the freshly washed walls of buildings.
Mary Manuel, a resident of 20 years, expresses a growing sense of frustration. She’s even taken to politely confronting those she sees spitting, pretending to be a council official to discourage the habit. But the cleanup falls to those who live and work nearby.
Sujeeva and her husband, who run a local supermarket, face daily damage to their property. Confrontations with those responsible have yielded threats and aggression, leaving them feeling helpless against the relentless staining. Their wall has become a gathering place, and a canvas for discarded paan.
Paan itself is a complex cultural practice, a blend of ingredients – betel nut, leaf, herbs, and sometimes tobacco – used as a stimulant and mouth freshener. It’s deeply rooted in South East Asian traditions, often used in religious ceremonies. However, its addictive nature and the habit of spitting out the residue create a significant public health concern.
While some argue a ban would unfairly punish the majority who use paan responsibly, Brent Council points to alarming health statistics. The borough experiences a disproportionately high rate of head and neck cancer – over 90 cases per 100,000 people, compared to a national average of 16.
The council isn’t seeking to outlaw paan leaf itself, but rather products containing tobacco or betel nut. They emphasize this isn’t about targeting communities, but addressing harmful individual actions. The cost of cleaning, already in the tens of thousands of pounds annually, is unsustainable.
Cllr Krupa Sheth argues that local enforcement alone is insufficient. A change in national law is needed to address the issue effectively. “A product that causes such serious harm simply should not be legally sold on our high streets,” she states, highlighting the urgent need for broader action to protect public health and the integrity of the community.
