Concern over overgrown weeds on pavements

Councillor Nathan Ley is asking the council to look into reintroducing regular pavement weed clearance

There are concerns about huge weeds on pavements after an authority stopped regularly maintaining them more than a decade ago.

Overgrown weeds have become a feature of several pavements across Oxfordshire, leading some parish and town councils to organise their own weed cuts.

Oxfordshire County Council used to clear the weeds regularly as part of its highways maintenance programme, but this was shelved in the 2007/08 financial year to save money.

Nathan Ley, who represents Abingdon North, said the issue was "one of the most common frustrations" people raised.

The councillor has put forward a motion asking the council to look into reintroducing regular pavement weed clearance, and for it to be considered in next year's budget.

The motion also asks the council to look into supporting towns and parish councils as well as offering guidance on alternatives to using chemical spraying.

He said that "looking after the basics, such as keeping pavements clear, safe, and attractive, makes a huge difference to how people feel about their neighbourhoods".

"Clean, cared-for streets help residents feel proud of where they live, and they stop small problems turning into expensive highways repairs later," he said.

"I know how strongly people feel about this because, like many councillors, I've spent time out with volunteers scraping and clearing weeds myself.

"That community spirit is brilliant, but it shouldn't have to depend on ad hoc efforts with hoes and brushes.

"We need a smarter, more sustainable, and fairer countywide approach. It's about getting the fundamentals right."

The issue is due to be discussed at the full council meeting on Tuesday.

The county council has also faced separate calls to deal with overgrown verges that have been sprawling along pedestrian and cycle paths in Oxford.

It decided to reduce its verge cuts to once a year in 2023 for environmental reasons.

Oxford City Council agreed to fund three additional verge cuts itself for 2025.