Statement on Highway Vegetation Management in Camborne

Camborne Town Council has considered a recent request from Cornwall Council to take on the management of vegetation across the local highway network for the coming year. After consulting with Councillors and noting the insufficient time to properly consider the request, the Council has decided not to assume responsibility for highway vegetation management for 2026/2027 financial year.

This decision was reached after careful consideration of several key factors:

• Consideration of Non‑Chemical Approaches to Vegetation Management: The Council would wish to explore non‑chemical methods for vegetation control. To do this properly, it must first understand the specialist equipment, investment, and operational changes required. Without this detailed assessment, it would not be possible to develop sustainable and costed options.
• Financial and Resource Due Diligence Taking on this responsibility would require a full evaluation of total costs, staffing needs, and potential funding gaps. At present, there is insufficient time to carry out the level of due diligence necessary to make an informed decision.
• Operational Uncertainty Cornwall Council has not actively managed vegetation on the highway network since 2013. As a result, the extent of current growth is unknown. Without an up‑to‑date survey, the true scale of the work and the resources required, we cannot accurately assess what is required to carry out the work.

Camborne Town Council believes that taking on this work without fully understanding the costs, effectiveness of non-chemical alternatives, availability of resources and full understanding the condition of the highway network would risk unforeseen costs and operational challenges. The Council’s priority is to ensure we make informed decisions on behalf of the local community.

The Council remains committed to managing its own amenities and public spaces in ways that support biodiversity, environmental protection, and long‑term sustainability. This year, Camborne Town Council will continue its ‘No Mow May’ initiative and will explore further opportunities to adapt its working practices to benefit the local environment in line with the Councils Climate Action Plan (2022).

(Camborne Town Council – 21st April 2026)