Issue - meetings

That the Council:

1.    Notes the continued persistent pavement weed growth across Torry/Ferryhill, as per Appendix A (included within agenda), despite the biannual weed spraying carried out by Council contractors.

2.    Believes that this persistent weed growth is unsightly and does not represent best value for Aberdeen taxpayers.

3.    Acknowledges that the Council’s contractor currently sprays a solution of acetic acid (i.e. vinegar) and alcohol in May and September each year, which is wilting the weeds and some die but sees perennial and persistent weeds regrowing.

4.    Believes that the current contract does not reflect best value, as the existing treatment appears ineffective - evidenced by the presence of knee-height weeds and persistent weed growth throughout Torry/Ferryhill.

5.    Instructs the Chief Officer - Operations to work with the current contractor to explore options within the scope of the contract for more effective weed control that will significantly reduce weed growth.

6.    Further instructs that, should it not prove possible to implement a more effective treatment under this contract, the contract be allowed to expire at its natural end date and the Chief Officer - Operations procure a new contract which can deliver a solution that is more effective and provide best value for the good people of Aberdeen.

7.    Agrees that any additional costs associated with a revised weed control approach be met from the Common Good.

(i)       to note that the continued use of glyphosate as a weed killer is potentially damaging to the environment and a potential risk to human and animal health;

(ii)       to note that local councils across the UK have been seeking to identify practical and environmentally sustainable alternative methods of weed treatment;

(iii)      to note that, for the first of the two 2025 weed treatments of Aberdeen's roads and pavements, an alternative treatment method was trialled;

(iv)      to note that the second 2025 weed treatment was now taking place using glyphosate and that this was being effective; and

(v)      to instruct the Chief Officer - Operations to continue to seek to identify a practical and effective method of road and pavement weed treatment which reduces or eliminates the use of glyphosate.

With reference to the meeting of Full Council of 20 August 2025, the Committee had before it a Notice of Motion from Councillor Kusznir in the following terms:-

That Committee:-

1.       notes the continued persistent pavement weed growth across Torry/Ferryhill, as per Appendix A (included within agenda), despite the biannual weed spraying carried out by Council contractors;

2.       believes that this persistent weed growth is unsightly and does not represent best value for Aberdeen taxpayers;

3.       acknowledges that the Council’s contractor currently sprays a solution of acetic acid (i.e. vinegar) and alcohol in May and September each year, which is wilting the weeds and some die but sees perennial and persistent weeds regrowing;   

4.       believes that the current contract does not reflect best value, as the existing treatment appears ineffective - evidenced by the presence of knee-height weeds and persistent weed growth throughout Torry/Ferryhill;

5.       instructs the Chief Officer - Operations to work with the current contractor to explore options within the scope of the contract for more effective weed control that will significantly reduce weed growth;

6.       further instructs that, should it not prove possible to implement a more effective treatment under this contract, the contract be allowed to expire at its natural end date and the Chief Officer - Operations procure a new contract which can deliver a solution that is more effective and provide best value for the good people of Aberdeen; and

7.       agrees that any additional costs associated with a revised weed control approach be met from the Common Good.

The Convener advised that Councillor Kusznir had agreed to amend the wording of his Notice of Motion and the revised wording was circulated to Members.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       to note that the continued use of glyphosate as a weed killer is potentially damaging to the environment and a potential risk to human and animal health;

(ii)       to note that local councils across the UK have been seeking to identify practical and environmentally sustainable alternative methods of weed treatment;

(iii)      to note that, for the first of the two 2025 weed treatments of Aberdeen's roads and pavements, an alternative treatment method was trialled;

(iv)      to note that the second 2025 weed treatment was now taking place using glyphosate and that this was being effective; and

(v)      to instruct the Chief Officer - Operations to continue to seek to identify a practical and effective method of road and pavement weed treatment which reduces or eliminates the use of glyphosate.