West Dunbartonshire Council will explore the use of more environmentally-friendly weed control for the local area - but it might cost more. 

As part of an action plan which is already under way, trials of alternative non-chemical methods of weed control have taken place and analysis has been examined.

But the results show that of those that work effectively, there could be significant cost implications for the already cash-strapped council.

A report was presented to members of the infrastructure, regeneration and economic development (IRED) committee on Wednesday morning detailing the progress of the council’s roads and neighbourhoods delivery plan for 2022/23.

The document confirmed that further work will be undertaken to prepare potential options and next steps for councillors to discuss at their next meeting. 

During the IRED committee, SNP councillor Gordon Scanlon, said: “I have a question relating to the subject of exploring alternative methods of weed control.

“I want to ask for a little bit of detail on which methods of non-chemical weed control that have taken place and if there are any strategic plans for the future for other methods.”

Roads and neighbourhoods chief officer, Gail McFarlane told the councillor that she would need time to ask for a briefing note to answer those questions.

Ms McFarlane said: “I would need to ask for a briefing note on that. The ground service has tried various and different methods where [weed control] is more diluted or the chemical base is totally different but you still need to dilute that.

“I will need to come back to you on that.”