TVBC were recently asked about the condition of the cobbles around the Guildhall area and have responded below:
Due to the hot weather and operational demands we have not sprayed the Guildhall cobbles as yet, although we do plan to do so. It will probably be very early in the morning to avoid the heat and pedestrians.
It is likely we will use an approved, non-residual glysophate product, applied by Controlled Droplet Application by a suitably trained and experienced staff member, and in line with all the relevant good practice and legislation.
While there is a lot of negative press about such chemicals, the research regarding their use as a local authority general weed killer for occasional use shows them to be safe. Local authorities can only use them in certain formulations (often it is other chemicals they are mixed with that increase toxicity) and concentrations which are approved for such use – as opposed to domestic glysophate products over which there are no controls.
While I like the idea of a blowtorch method, we have no such kit and no experience of using this on the cobbles. Being a sensitive listed building I am not prepared to take the risk of potential damage through experimenting, when we have tried and tested, safe method of management, which impacts the whole root of the plants rather than just their visible areas.
If you have any queries relating to this please contact Dan at TVBC – dsmyth@testvalley.gov.uk
