Environmentally friendly firm Total Vegetation Management of Brighton has been contracted by the Council’s Neighbourhood Services to tackle the growth of weeds on all public highways and foot paths in the Borough.

In line with the latest EU legislation guideline which places emphasis on using a gentle, but less efficient chemical method, Total Vegetation Management will be applying a glyphosate based herbicide to treat all visible weeds along footpaths and kerb lines. This approach ensures that chemicals only kill weeds, avoids drifting and causing adverse effects on surrounding crops and gardens.

The down side is that this particular herbicide is not as strong as previously used chemical treatments, and is dependent on the weather. Treatments cannot take place before or during rainfall. The entire road network within the Borough will be sprayed on three occasions between April and October 2010, during the growing season.

The Contractors will use knapsacks and hand lances, which will minimise the use of vehicles, in the interests of public safety and will be supported by specially trained members of the Council’s in-house cleansing team who will treat areas of re-growth between contracted sprays.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council entered into this agreement with Surrey County Council, the Highway Authority, following last year’s partnership arrangement. The Council oversaw weed control in town centres, shopping parades and main roads, whilst the majority funding was provided by the County.

Cllr Julian Ellacott, Portfolio Holder for the Environment said:

“This is a good example of partnership working, whereby the Borough oversees the effective delivery of County services at a local level. We will do the best job we can under the financial circumstances and using the chemicals permitted by EU law.”