Weeds, weeds, weeds - latest

Yesterday (22nd June 2011) I had a long and very useful conversation with the Area Steward for Biggleswade, who was very helpful.

When he received my email of 6th June he asked their landscaping team when was the last time Biggleswade was sprayed. He is still waiting to be told when this was, but he thinks it was probably in October 2010, 8 months ago. Him asking the question prompted the spraying which commenced on the 16th June and should be completed by now, subject to weather conditions. You may have seen operatives on quad bikes doing the spraying. It was not a coincidence.

NOTE: At the Town Assembly on 24th May 2011, the issue of weeds around the town was raised by a member of the public, as it had apparently already been raised with the Town and District Council and no action appeared to have been taken. I remember the "Town Council representatives" making reassuring noises to suggest they were aware of this problem and somebody did go round from time time! The Area Steward has not had anybody apart from me approach him about this.

The Area Steward has been in touch with the Service Manager at Central Bedfordshire and has requested that the mechanical sweeper starts going round in a couple of weeks, when the weedkiller has taken effect. Note sure when the sweeper last went round. If there are areas where that does not clear the gutters satisfactorily then this would need to be done manually. This is labour intensive (expensive) and would only be done in the worst case situations.

Gullies (drains) are cleaned out on a three cycle unless there is a blockade.