SPECIALIST contractors have again started a targeted street weed control programme in Minehead using a controversial glyphosate-based herbicide spray.

The autumn programme is subject to suitable weather conditions but should see treatment of weeds growing in roads, kerbs, and footways across the town.

It is not sprayed in parks and open spaces, where alternative methods are used.

The town council reintroduced glyphosate last year after an unsuccessful trial with a biodegradable foam product to try to control weeds without using toxic chemicals.

The trial was said to be costly and largely ineffective, with its own ecological concerns raised.

But, it was a decision which sparked some community protests with concern expressed that glyphosate had been labelled as ‘probably cancer causing’.

It is currently approved by the Government for use in England, Scotland, and Wales until its licence expires next month.

The Health and Safety Executive has been assessing it to decide whether to recommend renewal of the licence for up to another 15 years.

A council spokesperson said: “Keeping Minehead’s streets looking their best is always a balancing act.

“On one hand, residents expect clean, weed-free pavements.

“On the other, there are understandable concerns about herbicide use.

“After trialling several non-chemical alternatives, it became clear they did not deliver the results or value for money Minehead needed.

“This led to a targeted reintroduction of glyphosate, a widely-used herbicide.

“Across most areas, specialist equipment using chlorophyll-sensing technology identifies and treats individual weeds, helping to minimise herbicide use.

“In some narrower streets and locations with significant on-street parking, treatment may be undertaken using handheld knapsack equipment.

“Neither the council nor its contractor undertakes blanket spraying.

“Treatment is applied directly onto visible weeds where they are present and require control.”

It is the third and final visit of the year by the contractors after they also applied treatments in May and July.