Weeding Programme Update – June 2026

We would like to provide residents with an update on the 2026 Weed Spraying Programme.

A full programme was published earlier this year, setting out when each ward could expect treatment. However, recent adverse weather conditions have had a significant impact on delivery.

Over the past few weeks, we have experienced:

• A period of unusually high temperatures
• Followed by prolonged rainfall
• And now a further heatwave with RED warning temperatures.

These changing conditions directly affect when weed spraying can take place. For safety and effectiveness:

• Spraying cannot be carried out when temperatures exceed 28°C
• Spraying cannot take place during rainfall, as the treatment can be washed away and becomes ineffective

As a result, the programme is currently running approximately two weeks behind schedule.

Why weather matters

For weed treatment to be effective, it must be applied in the right conditions:

• Too hot (>28°C): Spraying must stop to protect staff safety and ensure the treatment does not evaporate before it can work
• Too wet (rain): Rain washes the treatment away, making it ineffective
• Right conditions: Dry weather and moderate temperatures allow the treatment to properly absorb into the weeds

Applying treatment outside of these conditions would reduce effectiveness and could lead to the need for repeat visits.

What we are doing to recover the programme

We have taken immediate action to minimise the impact of these delays. This includes:

• Increasing the number of operational staff supporting the programme
• Introducing weekend working where possible
• Extending working hours into evenings

These measures are already helping us to accelerate progress and recover lost time.

Programme changes

Due to the delay, the two trial wards will now be treated towards the end of the programme.

The revised programme is now scheduled to complete by 31^st July 2026.

Looking ahead

We would like to reassure residents that:

• We remain confident the programme will be completed within the revised timeframe
• It is imperative that treatments are applied in the correct conditions to ensure effectiveness
• The second cycle of treatment will not be affected

Details for Cycle 2 will be published on the week commencing 29^th June.

Thank you for your patience and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. By adjusting the programme to suit the conditions, we are ensuring that treatments are effective and deliver the best long-term results for our streets.