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Roadside Weed Control In Minehead
Town Council Launches Comprehensive Weed Control Strategy - 20th January 2025
In December, Town Councillors approved a new weed control strategy in response to concerns raised by residents and visitors about excessive street weed growth. These issues arose while the Council were trialling alternative methods to reduce reliance on glyphosate, a widely used and extensively researched active ingredient in weed killers.
The newly approved strategy takes a balanced approach, considering environmental, financial, and practical factors to provide an effective solution for street weed management. A key component of this plan is a significant effort by the Council’s in-house amenities team, who are currently working throughout the town to manually remove large, historic weeds and built-up detritus. This groundwork is essential to prepare for the controlled reintroduction of weed killer in the spring, applied by a qualified and experienced contractor using advanced techniques.
The amenities team has already hit the ground running, tackling some of the worst-affected areas. Their focus is on removing larger weeds and significant build-up, with an aim to make the greatest impact in the shortest time. While not every street or smaller weed will be addressed during this phase, the team is working diligently to ensure that priority areas are improved.
After thorough trials of alternative weed control methods, the Council found that these options were either too costly, time-consuming, or ineffective. The decision to reintroduce glyphosate was not taken lightly. Glyphosate remains one of the most extensively researched chemicals globally, with no conclusive evidence proving its alleged carcinogenic properties. The Council’s use of a certified contractor ensures the application is precise, controlled, and employs the latest technological advancements to minimise any perceived risks.
We are confident this approach strikes the right balance, maintaining the town’s streets while considering environmental and financial concerns. We are committed to continuing to explore advancements in sustainable weed control methods.
The Council welcomes feedback from the community on the weed control strategy and encourages residents to share their views as we work together to keep our town clean, safe, and welcoming. To provide feedback or learn more details, please contact us on 01643 707213 or ku.oc.licnuocnwotdaehenim%40ofni
Minehead Town Council Announces New Weed Control Strategy - 23rd December 2024
Minehead Town Council is pleased to announce the approval of its new weed control strategy, endorsed at the Full Council meeting on Tuesday, 17th December. This thoughtfully developed plan prioritises effective weed management while addressing any community, environmental, and health concerns.
Background
For over a decade, MTC has managed street weed control. Since discontinuing the use of glyphosate in 2020 due to environmental concerns, alternative methods were trialled but proved costly, labour-intensive, and less effective. Following extensive research, application method developments and public feedback, MTC will reintroduce glyphosate for targeted street weed control from March 2025, guided by detailed usage policies and advanced application methods.
What to Expect
The new strategy includes the following key measures:
● Developing a Weed Control Policy: MTC will establish a detailed policy outlining how and where glyphosate will be used. This ensures transparency and accountability, limiting its application to hard surfaces only. It will not be used in open spaces, service lanes, unadopted highways, or managed housing estates.● Engaging Professional Contractors: A qualified contractor will use advanced equipment, including the WEED-IT system and low-drift nozzles, to ensure precision application and minimise any environmental impact. This approach targets only hard surfaces like pavements and roads, avoiding off-target areas.● Manual Winter Clearance: MTC staff will conduct manual weed and debris removal in high-priority areas during the winter months.● Rewilding and Biodiversity Initiatives: The council will enhance its rewilding programmes, introducing wildflowers and supporting biodiversity to offset any potential environmental effects.● Proactive Engagement with Residents and Businesses: As part of its proactive approach, MTC will issue notices to residents and businesses with overgrown vegetation, requesting removal to prevent weed-enabling detritus from building up on streets.
Environmentally Conscious Practices
The council’s decision reflects a commitment to sustainability and public safety. Glyphosate applications will be limited to hard surfaces on main streets, excluding its use in open spaces, service lanes, unadopted highways, and managed housing estates. Contractors will employ the latest technology to ensure the safest, targeted, and efficient herbicide use, significantly reducing the quantity required.
Ongoing Monitoring and Engagement
MTC is committed to transparency and public involvement. Residents will be kept informed through regular updates, and feedback channels will be made available. The programme will be continually reviewed through public satisfaction feedback, environmental impact assessments, and financial evaluations, with an annual report ensuring continuous improvement.
Looking Forward
This new strategy underscores MTC’s commitment to preserving Minehead’s beauty and appeal while adhering to environmental and public health standards. By balancing effective weed management with sustainability and proactive community engagement, the council aims to deliver the best results for residents, visitors, and the local ecosystem. Please visit this page regularly for the latest updates and information.
References Weed IT Technology Fact Sheet
Minehead Town Council Reviews Weed Control Strategy Following Trial Period - 24th October 2024
Minehead Town Council has concluded its six-month trial of the Foam Stream weed control system, with councillors voting by majority at Tuesday's Full Council meeting (22nd October) not to proceed with purchasing the equipment and to continue to explore other solutions for the town's weed management strategy.
The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation period during which the Council carefully assessed the system's performance, operational requirements, and cost-effectiveness. While Foam Stream demonstrated some success in weed control and initially appeared to align with the Council's environmental objectives, the trial revealed challenges specific to Minehead's local conditions and staff resources.
It was noted that while Foam Stream currently represents one of the leading market alternatives for weed control methods, the specific requirements of Minehead's landscape and resources available presented unique operational challenges. The trial provided valuable insights into the complexities of alternative weed management, with staff testing various approaches including combined manual and mechanical methods to maximise effectiveness.
During the Council's detailed discussions, members considered operational effectiveness and resource requirements, cost implications and value for money, environmental impact and sustainability, as well as staff feedback. The decision was made by majority, with council taking into account both sides of the debate.
"Although the ultimate outcome has proved disappointing, this trial has provided us with valuable insights into alternative weed control methods," said Town Clerk, Ben Parker. "While Foam Stream wasn't ultimately the right fit for Minehead at this time, the knowledge gained will be instrumental in developing our future strategy."
The Council will use the winter months to conduct a thorough review of available options, focusing on developing a sustainable, cost-effective approach to weed control that maintains Minehead's high standards of appearance while continuing to consider environmental impact.
The Council anticipates presenting new proposals for weed control strategies in the following months.
17/05/2024: Foam Stream Trial Progressing Well in Minehead
A majority of the Minehead seafront area has now been treated as part of the town's innovative six-month foam stream trial. Over the last few weeks, the Town Council's in-house amenities team has also applied the foam treatment along Townsend Road, Alcombe Road, and into the Alcombe area.
With the first month’s trial complete, crews will continue by treating Bircham Road before shifting focus back towards the town centre. Once that area is finished, efforts will head towards the top of Parkhouse Road via Bampton Street and Poundfield Road. Residents and visitors are asked to remain patient as this alternative weed control method allows the town to avoid using potentially harsh chemical herbicides.
The innovative trial has received interest from other towns seeking sustainable vegetation management solutions. With four months remaining, Minehead will gather valuable data on the effectiveness and efficiency of the foam stream treatment.
Progress updates will continue as the amenities team methodically works through the town's streets in the coming months. Direct any questions or concerns to ku.oc.licnuocnwotdaehenim%40ofni, call 01643 707213 or use the feedback form at the bottom of this page
Press release dated: 08/04/2024 Foamstream Trial For Minehead
Minehead Town Council is pleased to announce a 6-month trial of Foamstream, an innovative and environmentally-friendly method for controlling street weeds. Delivery of the Foamstream equipment took place on Monday 8th April, with it expected to be in use soon after.
This trial responds to concerns raised by residents about the need for a more sustainable way to manage weeds on streets and pavements throughout Minehead. The Council has opted to explore Foamstream as an alternative to glyphosate-based herbicides, which have raised concerns about potential impacts on human health and the environment.
Foamstream utilises hot water insulated by a biodegradable foam to effectively control weeds without the use of toxic chemicals. Residents may observe this biodegradable foam residue in areas that have been treated. The foam is an integral part of the process and acts as an insulating layer to enhance the hot water application. The Council want to assure the public that this foam is completely safe and environmentally friendly. It is derived from natural plant-based sources and will dissipate on its own within approximately 30 minutes after treatment. There is no need for concern about any potential harmful effects.
"We are excited to trial this innovative, chemical-free solution for controlling street weeds," said Mayor, Councillor Craig Palmer. "Foamstream aligns with our commitment to preserving environmental health while addressing issues important to local residents."The Council encourages residents to provide feedback on the Foamstream trial by calling the office on 01643 707213 or emailing ku.oc.licnuocnwotdaehenim%40ofni. Alternatively, you can complete the below contact form. Public input will be valuable in evaluating the effectiveness and community acceptance of this sustainable weed control approach.
Our Amenities Team have been trained on the use of Foamstream and have been provided with information and handouts to assist in answering any public enquiries while using it on site. We also have information available at our offices at 3 Summerland Road.
The Town Council is committed to addressing the issue of weeds throughout the Town. In order to achieve this, the use of foamstream technology will be prioritised as the weed control measure. While initial findings is that this method is effective, it may result in the temporary presence of visible dead vegetation in some areas. Especially those which had a heavy presence of weed growth.
Removal of Dead Vegetation
The Council will endeavour to remove any dead plant matter as soon as practical. However, we recognise that some residents may prefer to handle the removal of dead vegetation on their own residential streets. In some cases, we may be able to provide assistance with the disposal of any cleared vegetation. If contacted in advance of the removal.
Residents who wish to take advantage of this disposal service are encouraged to contact the MTC offices using the form provided below or by the above email address or telephone number. Pre-determined factors such as amount of vegetation, time and location will need to be established in order to facilitate the collection and removal of the cleared vegetation.
The Council appreciates the cooperation and understanding of all community members as we work to maintain the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of our town through the use of this weed control methodology. Our goal is to cover as much ground as possible during this trial period.
Treatment progress
Click Here to view a map of areas treated so far (Correct as of 17th April 2024)Click Here to view a map of areas treated so far (Correct as of 16th May 2024)Click Here to view a map of areas treated so far (Correct as of 12th July 2024)Click Here to view a map of areas treated so far (Correct as of 27th September 2024)
Further Information:
For Frequently Asked Questions on Foamstream's Website please click Here.
Foamstream Press Pack Foamstream Fact Sheet Information Card
Feedback
If you have any feedback regarding the use of foam stream, please provide it in the short form below. We welcome all types of feedback and viewpoints. Any feedback you can offer during this trial period will be greatly appreciated, as it will help us gauge public opinion on its use. Alternatively, you can email ku.oc.licnuocnwotdaehenim%40ofni or call 01643 707213.