Response to an enquiry to Cornwall Council

From: Cornwall Highways Enquiries
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2025 at 15:35
Subject: Casework Assist Enquiry – CAS-23150-G5B7R5
To: Karenza Heald <theclerk@millbrook-pc.gov.uk>

Good Afternoon Karenza

Thank you for your recent enquiry in relation to weeds growing on the highway in Millbrook.

Cornwall Council no longer has a budget for general weed spraying and, in accordance with its Pollinator Action Plan, it has restricted the use of pesticides, particularly where they are glyphosate based, in order to reduce the potentially harmful effects on the environment. Any spraying is now restricted to the treatment of noxious weeds such as common ragwort and Japanese Knotweed or for areas where weeds are causing significant structural damage.

Weed removal will only be considered where it is causing a genuine highway safety hazard or if removal is organised by third parties. If residents have a real concern in relation to highway safety, they can report it via the Council’s online defect reporting system and this will initiate an inspection Report a problem with a road or pavement – Cornwall Council

If there is local interest in a weed removal project in the area, our Community Partnership Officer can help support local volunteers to do so. We have a toolkit trailer with appropriate equipment, to enable a community project to take place. Please contact us via enquiries@cornwallhighways.co.uk if you have a community group that would like to take this forward.

Regards

Will Glassup | Highways Manager

Cornwall Highways | Network Management