Cumberland Council is highlighting the essential highways maintenance work taking place across the area to help keep roads, pavements and public spaces safe, accessible and welcoming for everyone.
Following an update to the Highways and Transport Strategic Board, on Thursday 23 April, the council has outlined how regular verge cutting, weed control and tree management form a vital part of its statutory duty as the local highways authority, and play an important role in supporting residents’ health and wellbeing.
Verge cutting helps maintain clear sightlines for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, particularly at junctions, bends and around road signs. In rural areas this is primarily carried out using specialist tractor‑mounted equipment, while in some urban locations work is undertaken by the council’s teams using hand mowers.
Weed control focuses on kerbs, pavements and paved areas to reduce trip hazards, prevent surface damage and manage noxious weeds that the council is legally required to control. The main weed‑spraying programme runs from the end of April through to September, with multiple visits planned across communities. Work is delivered by a combination of trained in‑house teams and external contractors, with additional visits triggered where issues are reported by the public.
Tree and arboriculture work is another key part of keeping the highway safe. The council carries out regular surveys of trees located within the highway, in both urban and rural areas, as well as visual inspections of trees on private land where they could pose a risk to road users. A significant focus remains on managing ash dieback, a widespread disease affecting ash trees across the UK, which can make trees unstable and increase the risk of sudden failure.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“Looking after our highways is about much more than routine maintenance – it’s about keeping people safe, supporting active travel and creating healthier places for our communities. Health and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.
“From managing vegetation and trees to maintaining clear footways and safe roads, these works help reduce risk, improve accessibility and make it easier for people to get around confidently. We are committed to delivering these services efficiently and responsibly, while working closely with our teams, contractors and residents.”
Residents are encouraged to report any concerns about overgrown verges, weeds or trees through the council’s website or phone the Highways Hotline: 0300 373 3736. This helps teams prioritise work and respond quickly where action is most needed
