Colin Clayton, Assistant Director for Parks and the Environment, introduced a report from the Director of Neighbourhood Serviceson an update of the position regarding the exercise to trial alternative methods of weed control. The Council has historically used glyphosate, under licence, for weed control across the authority and was under licence until 2022 with the delivery of weed control operations undertaken by the Council’s contractor Man Coed.

In response to the recommendations of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee of 28th November 2019, officers had conducted a series of exercises to trial alternative methods of weed control with the report providing the findings identified for each method. The Committee was also updated on the delivery of the weed control programme, which was subject to delay caused by service cessation during the initial Covid-19 lock down. The exercise had so far demonstrated that alternative weed control methods were less effective, and the machinery required was more expensive. It was concluded that alternatives would continue to be sought and the Committee updated, but that glyphosate was the only practical method in the short to medium term in certain areas.

The Committee debated the matter at some length given that other countries had banned glyphosate and other councils were also struggling to find a workable alternative. It was suggested that international case studies be considered and community involvement with clearing weeds was proposed, however Colin Clayton explained upscaling community involvement like that trialled at New Brighton would be difficult and required significant training. Members agreed that glyphosate would have to be phased out while working to find an effective alternative.

On a motion by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Steve Foulkes, it was –

Resolved – That

(1)  the contents of this report and outcome to date of the exercise to trial glyphosate alternatives for weed control be noted.

(2)  glyphosate will not be used for weed control operations across the Parks and Countryside estate (with the limited exceptions set out in this report).

(3)  the exercise to trial alternative methods of weed control will continue during the next 12 months with Committee updated further following this.