Public Realm Improvement and Re-introduction of Weed Treatment

Cornwall Council will begin a new programme of weed treatment and public realm improvements across Cornwall.

This follows evidence of declining standards since routine weed management stopped in 2013, resulting in increasing complaints, narrowing footways, damaged surfaces, and reduced community pride.

We have reviewed options and have directed Cormac Solutions Limited to carry out the following:

• Targeted manual and mechanical weed removal on the very worst-affected estates (one per CAP)
• Carefully controlled, limited chemical treatment only on the urban highway network where weeds are present, using modern Controlled Droplet Application methods to minimise quantity and footprint.
• Improvements to amenity and environmental areas, including enhanced cutting and better management of urban verges.
• Partnership working with local councils and volunteers, supporting local pride and community involvement.

The aim of this recovery programme is to restore safe, accessible streets and deliver consistent standards across Cornwall. We want to support strong, safe, clean and well-maintained communities and to ensure Cornwall’s neighbourhoods reflect the pride residents have in where they live.

This will apply to all Cornwall Council maintained areas, although an opt-out option is available for Town and Parish Councils that wish to manage their areas without chemical treatment, provided they can meet the required standards and protect asset integrity.