Although surface water flooding is usually associated with winter conditions, issues can arise at this time of year.
We are likely to experience intense rainfall over the next few days.
This means that any blocked drainage channels and gullies will be tested. Residents would be wise to check any public gutters near their properties and report any blockages.
Lots of people out and about today tidying up their gardens. Hopefully some of the overgrown trees, hedges and weeds obstructing footpaths will be getting attention.
It also claims that the weed treatment programme is being brought forward.
A senior official says that verges are cut on 10 occasions each year between March and September. He goes on to say “as the rate of grass growth has slowed down, we are now starting to see improvements in the standard of cut, which will continue to improve as we undertake further cuts”.
Verges in the Foxwood Lane area have been subject to criticism, with one experienced local professional gardener saying that the edges are now so overgrown that they will need to be cut with a rotary cutter or strimmed if they are to recover their appearance.
On weeds, the Council says that they are treated in May/June, July/August & Sept/Oct. with a non-residual weed killer.
“This results in the ‘killing’ of all weeds that are growing at the time of treatment but any that germinate after the spray has passed will continue to grow until the next treatment later in the summer”.
“We are all aware of the issues regarding the amount of weeds visible in certain parts of the city, as previously stated this is due to the weather earlier in the year, we have worked with our contractor on a number of ways to improve the situation, as detailed below:
Our contractor has deployed additional resources at their cost.
We brought the commencement of the second treatment forward.
Our staff were deployed last week to start to strim and remove the very large weeds from the back lanes, as these would look unsightly even when dead”
The Council also says that the first cut of the Bar Walls – during in June – has not taken place because specialist equipment (supplied from Germany) has not yet arrived in the City
There has been no official comment from Executive Councillors about the poor standards evident in some parts of the City.
However one Independent Councillor – Mark Warters from Osbaldwick – Is understood to have told officials that a more professional approach to weed control is needed in the city. He says that the service should be brought back “in house”. Like many other residents, he believes that the weed killer used earlier in the year may have been washed off by rain before it had taken effect.
There is one piece of good news to report though, with several householders having cut back hedges from public footpaths over the weekend. This has reduced the number of obstructions on several streets.
We’ve asked residents to nominate the highest growing weeds on public highways in the City.
These are roads, footpaths , bridges etc which should by now have been treated for weed growth by the York Council.
If left untreated the weeds will gradually break up the surface of the highway causing additional expense when remedial work is undertaken.
The weed control programme is normally sub contracted by the Council. Residents may have seen (or not this year) quad bikers in some streets spraying weed killer
Seems the City is set too be overwhelmed by weeds this week. Ideal growing conditions mean that areas which have not been treated for weed growth are rapidly turning green.
If left untreated, weeds can break up footpath surfaces and paving leading to costly repair bills.
Weed growth is becoming a significant problem in many streets in York. None more than in the Front Street shopping area. This is a shame as it would take little effort to tackle the issue. It would be within the capabilities of volunteers.
The neglect brings into question the sincerity of the Council who claim to want to reinvigorate retail areas.
We’ve also reported fly posting on the nearby noticeboard.
Wetter weather will accelerate plant growth in the City. That means bigger weeds.
Usually by now the York Council has revealed its weed killing programme. Seems we have to go on waiting this year.
A full BIFFA bin has been abandoned in the little Green Lane garage area in Acomb. It has been there for over 4 weeks. The bins is stuffed high with black bags.
The garage area is owned by the York Council but is rarely inspected and even more rarely cleaned up.
Hopefully whoever rented this bin will get it removed quickly.
