By Jonathan Leask, local democracy reporter Environment Canterbury is defending its weed control work after coming under fire for the state of the riverbanks along Hakatere/Ashburton River. Residents raised their concerns with uncontrolled weeds along the river as part of Ashburton District Council’s open spaces strategy review. Environment Canterbury (ECan), as the regional council, has jurisdiction over the region's major waterways, including the stop banks and river berms. In his submission, Bruce Leigh asked for a "real explanation" on who manages the area. "ECan seem to be around but don’t see them doing any weed control on either side of the river”. His submission struck a chord with Cr Carolyn Cameron, who said she had contacted ECan about overgrown weeds, specifically Old Man's Beard, 18 months ago. Speaking at hearings in late-April, Cameron said she felt “dismissed” by ECan’s reply that said they didn’t have enough money to do it.…