Council criticised over weeds

LIBERAL Democrat councillors at Warrington are asking the borough council what it intends to do to remove unsightly weeds and grass from gutters.
Environment spokesman Cllr Brian Axcell (pictured) raised the issue at a meeting of the full council.
He asked: “While recognising the need to make savings, what more can be done to remove weeds and grass from gutters particularly on main roads, which is giving a very poor impression to would-be investors in, and visitors to, our town?”
In response the executive board member responsible for highways said that weed control had started late this year because of the late delivery of some equipment.
Later on in the summer a sweeper had been adapted to use steel brushes which was helping. Another problem was that the weeds and grasses and willow herb in particular were becoming resistant to the chemicals normally used.
Cllr Axcell said: “I was assured that next year weed control will start earlier, the sweeper with steel brushes will be available at the start of the season and there ought to be some alternative more effective chemicals. I was also told there will be a programme of maintenance on gateway routes into the town.
“I look forward to these new measures working next year because we cannot have another year of neglect which reflects very badly on the council because the consequences are highly visible.”