Row over plans to use chemicals to kill weeds in Trowbridge

Town and county councils are trying to agree on the best way to deal with weeds across the town.

One resident said: “Welcome to Trowbridge, capital of weeds. It's been like it for months, in some places stinging nettles 6ft tall.

“In some places you can't see kerbs as weeds are growing out the road over a foot high.”

Cllrs Mel Jacob, Stewart Palmen and Stephen Cooper take a look at the weeds growing in the gutters of Hilperton Road, Trowbridge. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Concerned town councillors and residents want Wiltshire Council to take action to clear them but some have voiced objections to the use of chemicals.

Wiltshire Council says it plans to send out teams on quad bikes in October to spray them with weedkiller – but the use of chemicals is against Trowbridge Town Council’s eco-policy.

Cllr Mel Jacob said: “I have been concerned to see the number of weeds growing at the side of the roads around Trowbridge which makes the town feel a bit unloved and also had a number of residents contact me concerned about the weeds.

“Wiltshire Council have now contacted the town to let them know that Highways are taking action to apply weedkiller along the main roads as they are concerned about damage to highways."

She added: “I am not happy with this approach - it feels like it would be better done properly by Wiltshire Council with weeds cleared by a weed ripper and the road swept clean rather than weedkiller and then further work to clear away dead weeds at a later date.

“We want the town to look great so we are flexible and practical that there are some instances where this has to be used but the weedkiller is not a solution on its own to remove the weeds and improve the look of the town. 

“I know that many residents are supportive of this and do not want us to be using chemicals around the town. We will be writing to Wiltshire Council to query the approach and see if a better solution can be found.”

Cllrs Mel Jacob, Stewart Palmen and Stephen Cooper take a look at the weeds growing in the gutters of Hilperton Road, Trowbridge. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Trowbridge Town Council leader, Stewart Palmen said residents are "disappointed" that Wiltshire Council has decided to use weedkiller.

Meanwhile, Trowbridge mayor, Stephen Cooper also said residents are "sick" of the weeds.

Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for highways, flooding and street scene, agreed it is important the weeds are controlled.

He said: “Most of the council’s weed control resources are focused on the manual or mechanical methods, with additional investment providing two additional sweepers and crew to undertake highway cleaning this year.

"However, due to the current amount of weed growth on our network, with the weather enhancing the growing season through the spring and summer, we have had to increase the use of herbicide to prevent damage to our highway network including the drainage systems.

“In all cases, this herbicide is used sparingly and by controlled droplet application, which maximises the effectiveness of the treatment, minimises the use of chemicals, and also stops the spray from drifting away from its target location. Only highways areas are treated and no weed treatment is undertaken within 500 metres of schools.

“When used in this way, the herbicide glyphosate remains an important tool to control urban weed growth.

“We recognise that weed control is a service that has been delegated to a number of local councils, and several local communities in Wiltshire top up the weed control service in their area with weed treatment as they feel that this is a local priority.”