Contractors will be doing regular circuits of the city, using a non-residual spray, from now until the end of autumn, Chris Rance, the Council's Greenspace Maintenance team manager, says.

"We need to control weed growth in the footpaths and concrete channels to prolong their life, by minimising damage done by roots and to ensure free flow of stormwater in the channels." Residents who do not want their kerbsides sprayed and are willing to control the weeds on the footpaths and roadside channels outside their properties are able to add their names to the Council's no-spray register.

No-spray registration forms are available from the City Council or you can apply for one on the Council's website. After the application form has been signed and returned, residents are sent a sticker for their letterbox declaring that they have an "Environmentally Friendly Non-Spray Frontage". The city's spray programme is available for reading at Council Service Centres. When streets are being sprayed, vehicles involved in the work are clearly marked to inform residents.

To receive a no-spray form, contact the CCC on 941 8999 or apply on the web at http://webforms.ccc.govt.nz/frmRequestForServiceOrInformation.asp

For further information contact Brent Hazeldine, City Care, Ph 337 7231 or 025 208 7703