Swindon-wide weed treatment programme underway

Swindon Borough Council's latest weed treatment drive is progressing.

As part of the council's highway maintenance programme it carries out up to two borough-wide weed treatment programmes each year across roads, pavements and other areas maintained by the council.

Following an initial treatment in early September, our contractor is now carrying out a second follow-up round of weed control in areas that need it between now and November. 

This will cover Kingshill, East Swindon, West Swindon (including Toothill and Eastleaze), Haydon Wick, Blunsdon St Andrew, Penhill, Stratton, Rodbourne, Walcot, Nythe, Eldene, Coate and Lawn, Highworth, Wroughton

A council spokesperson said: "Other surrounding villages will be among the final areas to be treated. 

"It can take several weeks for the treatment to take full effect. During this time, weeds will gradually turn brown and die back."

The council treats weeds on adopted public highways to help keep roads, pavements and public spaces safe, accessible and well maintained.

The spokesperson added: "Our trained operatives use approved herbicides as part of a planned maintenance programme. 

"Weed treatment focuses on gateway routes and other highway areas where weeds can affect safety, visibility or infrastructure."

The council is responsible for weed control on adopted public highways including public footways, kerbs, road edges and channels and areas around street furniture, such as signs, bollards and bins.

However, the council is not responsible for weed control on private land or property, land owned by other public bodies or private organisations and highways that have not been adopted by the council.

If weeds are growing in these areas, the landowner is responsible for managing them.
Parish councils are responsible for weed control in their parish areas.