ISLAND Roads is to 'move away' from spraying weeds with herbicides from quad bikes.

It is adopting a new approach and is employing extra seasonal staff to remove weeds, wherever possible, by hand and traditional tools.

As well as moving away from the previous use of quad bike teams, Island Roads will also supplement the new ‘hands-on’ approach by using an organic-based herbicide where manual removal is not possible.

The new method has been agreed by Island Roads following local feedback including dialogue with local stakeholders and is in line with moves from within the highway maintenance industry to reduce herbicide use.

Island Roads is required to undertake specified weed removal in its contract with the Isle of Wight Council.

“We keep our processes under review and are particularly keen to look how we can improve the way we do things,” said Dave Wallis, Island Roads operations and maintenance manager.

"Customer feedback and industry best practice is a key part of our consideration.

“This new method will ensure we continue to maintain the required level of service and in a way that reflects our commitment to working in a way that looks after the environment.

“We have always carried out weed removal in a safe way using licensed products and standard industry practices but we are always prepared to do things differently as long as we continue to meet all the contractual and safety requirements.”

Cllr John Nicholson, who liaises with Island Roads in his capacity as chairman of the Island’s Working Well Together Group, welcomed the move.

He said: “I know Island Roads takes its obligations very seriously and is always looking to do the right thing.

"It is a big organisation in Island terms but is prepared to try something different if it means it can do its job in a better way.”