SPECIALIST contractors have been appointed by Minehead Town Council to start a programme of targeted street weed control this month.

The work is part of the council’s routine maintenance of public areas.

A spokesperson said: “External contractors are used because they employ modern application technology that allows treatments to be highly targeted, using small quantities of herbicide and significantly reducing risk of overspray.

“This ensures the work is carried out safely, efficiently, and in line with current environmental and safety guidance.”

The spokesperson said trials were held of a range of alternative weed control methods before a decision was made to return to the use of a herbicide.

They said: “These were found to be ineffective, disproportionately costly, or raised their own environmental or safety concerns, and did not adequately address public concerns about the condition of streets.

“The current approach has therefore been selected as the most balanced option, allowing effective control while minimising wider impact.

“Only specific areas within streets that have been identified as requiring treatment will be included.

“Parks, play areas, and designated green spaces will not be sprayed as part of this programme.

“This targeted approach helps manage weed growth where it may contribute to surface damage or trip hazards, while avoiding unnecessary treatment elsewhere.

“We have developed a map to identify the areas where weed control is planned.

“This is intended as a guidance tool only and provides a visual indication of proposed locations.

“If any residents prefer that no weed control is carried out outside their property, please let us know.”

The spokesperson said the importance of protecting wildlife and habitats was recognised.

They said: “Alongside this work, we have extended rewilding areas across our open spaces, supporting biodiversity and allowing nature to thrive where it is most appropriate.”

More information about the rewilding can be found on the council’s website.