Appendix 4 - Research

• Pesticide Action Network UK’s article on why some councils reverse their ban on pesticides states testing alternatives and a three year phase out plan is key. Along with residents embracing wilder cities.
• Brighton and Hove City Council have advised that they are receiving an increased amount of complaints and due to several issues, including having only been able to recruit 9/26 seasonal staff and equipment shortages, have not managed to get on top of weeds.
• • B&H have also carried out a hot water trial to understand the effectiveness of this method of weed removal however unfortunately found this not to be effective.
  • It was reported that several residents have needed hospital treatment from tripping over weeds. 
• ESCC met with Leicestershire County Council to discuss their weed trial. In 2021 LCC stopped weed treatments completely as requested by their members. Due to complaints and weeds causing damage, they later revoked this decision and now undertake two sprays per year.
• • LCC are now in a position where they are having to invest in a large amount of maintenance to get weeds under control.
  • LCC trialled hot foam and found it to work well in city centres but not rural areas.