Borough overrun by out of control weeds on 2,000km of roads and footpaths

A council has pledged to tackle overgrown weeds on 1,900 kilometres of roads and footpaths. Bury Council said following a rise in complaints their weed treatment programme is back on track following a problematic 12 months when overly wet and windy conditions caused weed growth to surge and delayed treatment.

The first treatment of 32 zones across 660km of carriageway, 1,200km of footpaths and nine km of car park perimeters has recently been completed. A second treatment will begin from the start of August, continuing until the end of September.

Spraying will start in the north in Ramsbottom and south in Prestwich, working towards the centre of the borough. Coun Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “We understand the presence of weeds along the highway is a significant concern for our residents.

"This is why we are carrying out two treatments this year instead of just one. We want to get highway weeds back under control again after the particularly problematic weather we had last summer. While we do leave the grass and weeds to grow where it is right to do so, weed control along adopted roads and pathways is necessary to preserve appearance and prevent physical damage to paving, kerbs, walls and road surfaces.

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"It also helps keep gullies and drainage channels clear to ensure water can drain away.” Weed spraying across Bury borough is managed by Bury Council’s highways team and carried out by a specialist contractor.

They use herbicides authorised for use in public areas and that have a MAPP (Ministerially Approved Pesticide Product) registration number. No alternatives are permitted under any circumstances.

The weed