Plans for a purge on unsightly and damaging weeds has been confirmed by the full County Council as part of their overall budget plans agreed today (February 21).

After years of neglect, the £500,000 funding will help tackle weeds that damage pavements and drainage systems specifically in main towns and villages. It will also help address residents’ concerns about how unsightly it makes local communities look.

Cabinet Member for Transportation, Mark Shaw said the programme will be carried out sensitivity and in accordance with all current best practice.

“Over the years, I’ve been bombarded with complaints about our failure to adequately control damaging weed growth, so I’m delighted we’ve been able to set aside funding for this year to help get on top of the problem.

“But it’s not simply about making local areas look tidier, it’s much more about preventing the damage weeds and their roots do, so we can avoid costly repairs further down the line.

Mark added, “To make it absolutely clear, we will not be destroying our natural verges or vegetation that clearly supports wildlife and insects. This is all about targeted control of those weeds that we often see growing between kerb edges and pavements or out of road drains. The type of weeds that do real damage to tarmac, paving slabs and pipes.

“I can assure people we will be extremely sensitive in our approach.”

The work is expected to start later in the year and will be confined to selected areas in towns and villages only.

• Typical weed growth Typical weed growth