WEED CONTROL

The number of weeds in roads and pavements has been attracting comment across Hyndburn and a statement has been issued to all Councillors confirming that the Weed Control Contractor is working in the Borough this week but prior to this he only managed to work 1 day out of previous 3 weeks due to the poor weather conditions. Unfortunately, the chemical is not water resistant so cannot be applied in wet or windy conditions. If the weather stays dry, it will take a further 3 weeks to complete the whole Borough (mid November).

After application, the chemical can take up to 2 weeks for the weeds to turn brown and die back. Once this occurs, the brushes on the mechanical sweepers are changes from plastic to a stiff wire which helps pull them out. Hand sweepers are also issued with a hoe to remove any that the mechanical sweepers cannot access.

There have been a number of complaints from residents this year, so discussions have been held with the contractor to look at bringing forward next autumn's treatment and starting in early August rather than September. Unfortunately, the only chemical they are permitted to use is a 'contact' chemical which only kills growth that is there at the time of spraying and it is more effective to wait until there is a certain amount of weeds present so each year is different depending on the weather conditions.

Hyndburn Borough Council would like to thank you for your patience.