24 April 2024
Several Lancaster streets will be taking part in a trial to stop being treated with weed spray, spearheaded by Green City Councillors and residents who are concerned about the effects of glyphosate on humans and the environment.
Ward Councillors in Castle, Marsh, Ellel and Bowerham responded to residents’ concerns and consulted with over 200 households during January this year. Those consultations confirmed overwhelming residents support for a trial of ‘no weed spray’ over the coming year.
As a result, County Council who manage highways, has agreed to support a request to opt out from glyphosate spraying in those specific streets and alley ways identified by ward councillors, which are Brook Street, Cromwell Road, Anderson Close, Chapel Street and part of Willow Lane.
During the trial, weeds will be managed manually by residents, in place of the two annual sprays. As well as routine tidying of house frontages, members of the community will be invited to carry out occasional collective weeding. These sessions will be coordinated by ward councillors and residents who have already offered to be ‘street weed champions.’
Castle ward Councillor Paul Stubbins, who submitted the overall opt-out proposal to County Council commented:
"I am delighted that County has agreed to act on the results of our consultation. There was far more support from residents for these trial opt-outs than many of us had anticipated.
“As well as concerns about the health risk of herbicide use, there was a very positive desire to work together to improve the appearance of our streets and support biodiversity."
It has been agreed the trial will run for a year and will be monitored by the County Council to measure its success.
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