York Council using wrong type of weed killer?

As problems with the weed control programme in the City intensify, one Councillor has discovered that contractors may have been using the wrong type of weed killer.

The approved weed-killer is  Glyphosate (Roundup). This has proved to be ineffective against many types of weeds including Horses (Mares) Tail and willow-herb.

Now Cllr Mark Warters has found that use of the  “Diamond” formulation on Mares Tail in his ward has had good results. He is urging the Council to use it in the future.

The news comes as residents wait to hear when – or even if – the Council is going to organise a clean up of the weeds and detritus which has grown up on the City’s streets this summer.

Although a report to an October meeting has been promised more urgent action is needed.

The expectation was that the executive Councillor with responsibility for street services would have reported on progress to the scrutiny meeting which is due to take place on 11th September.

However a report to the meeting published yesterday  pointedly makes no reference to the ongoing problems on our streets.

Askham Lane footpath gradually being eroded by grass
The footpath on Grange Lane is obstructed by nettles
The Walton Place/Grange Lane snicket is overgrown
Weed growth damaging the footpath on Sherringham Drive was reported 3 months ago
Metre high weeds overgrowing railings on Askham Lane
Ditto on Thanet Road
One of the underlying problems is poor street sweeping standards. These build outs on Gale Lane haven’t been cleaned for over 6 months. The resulting silt provides an ideal bed for weeds.

All these issues have been reported to the York Council for their attention