Newcastle City Council has brought its weed treatment service back in-house to deliver a more efficient, cost-effective and responsive service for residents.
Following changes in climate, the city has seen increased weed growth across streets and neighbourhoods. Left unmanaged this can make areas look untidy and the council is taking action to tackle the issue head-on.
Bringing the service back under council control has enabled the purchase of two specialist vehicles, improved response times and targeted treatment in priority areas. This approach helps maintain higher standards across the city while ensuring better value for public money.
This is one of the first big changes since Liberal Democrats became a minority administration, Cllr Peter Lovat, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Local Services, said:
“Bringing council services back in-house is not just an administrative decision, it’s one of the strongest tools we have to improve value, raise standards, and strengthen accountability for people in this city.
When services are delivered by the council, residents know exactly who is responsible and who to hold to account.
In-sourcing gives us greater control over quality, ensures better use of public money, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for our communities.”
The council uses approved, targeted weed treatments that are effective while minimising environmental impact. Treatments are focused on hard surfaces such as pavements and roads. Weedkillers are not used in open spaces like parks and playing fields, and soft surfaces are avoided wherever possible.
Managing weeds is an essential part of maintaining safe and accessible streets. As well as improving the appearance of neighbourhoods, regular treatment helps to:
- Maintain clear sight lines for motorists and pedestrians
- Reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls
- Improve access for people using mobility aids and pushchairs
- Control service delivery costs and reduce pressure on frontline resources
The council has a responsibility to address trip hazards on pavements, and its current targeted approach to weed control ensures this is achieved effectively.
This action forms part of Newcastle City Council’s wider commitment to keeping the city clean, green, and a place everyone can be proud to call home.