WEEDS on roadsides and pavements are being tackled in a new way to reduce the impact of pesticides on the environment.

Weeds left untreated on roads and pavements can break up the surfaces and interfere with drainage.

Hampshire county council aims to control and manage the weeds by killing them and then leaving them in place, thereby protecting surrounding wildlife and plants.

The chemicals used to kill the weeds are now less toxic and do not leave any residue.

Councillor Mel Kendal, executive member for environment said: "Looking after Hampshire's roads is a high priority for us.

"Keeping weeds under control is important for the safety of road users and pedestrians.

"We have worked with the Hampshire Wildlife Trust since the mid-1980s to identify, preserve and protect road verges with high biodiversity.

"We also make sure utility companies and others who may need to work on these roads are aware of the biodiversity issues.

"This includes encouraging them to use special pesticides that do not harm bees and other wildlife and control the weeds without harming other plants."

Noxious weeds like ragwort and Japanese knotweed are tackled differently using specially deployed teams and intensive treatments.