The Vale of Glamorgan Council has become the first local authority in Wales to eliminate the use of Glyphosate in its parks.

Foamstream, Weedingtech's herbicide-free technology for managing unwanted vegetation, is being used by the Council across several Vale parks, making them greener, cleaner and safer for visitors to enjoy.

Keep Wales Tidy recently awarded Green Flag status – the mark of a top-quality outdoor space – to 10 sites maintained by the Council, making the Vale one of the best-performing authorities in Wales.

Barry came away with the most flags in the Vale with Romilly Park, Barry Island Seafront and Friars Point, Central park, the Knap Gardens, Gladstone Park and Porthkerry Country Park all receiving the accolade.

They are all maintained with foamstream.

Alexandra Park and Windsor Gardens, Belle Vue Park, Victoria Park, Cosmeston Country Park also received the awards, and all are maintained with Foamstream.

The award is judged on eight criteria, including cleanliness, safety and standard of maintenance, all of which the new weed control system contributes to.

Foamstream works by using the extreme heat in boiling hot water to kill the vegetation. The water is insulated by a biodegradable foam that prevents the heat escaping into the surrounding atmosphere.

Keeping heat on the unwanted plant for longer ensures a more effective kill of the plant.

Foamstream also helps sterilise surrounding seeds and spores, reducing overall regrowth.

Cllr Peter King, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport, said: "We are very proud to be the first Council in Wales to use a pesticide-free weed control system, and this complements our Green Flag ethos perfectly.

"Safe and cost-effective, our Parks team can treat any weeds or moss in a play area, and residents can return to the area almost immediately.

"The standard required to achieve Green Flag status is extremely high, and it is testament to the hard work and innovation shown by our Parks team that we have once again been singled out by Keep Wales Tidy as one of the best performing authorities in Wales."

Weedingtech's European Sales Manager, William Palau commented: "We are delighted that Foamstream has played its part in the Vale's recent success. To be awarded Green Flag status across so many of their parks is a tremendous achievement.

"Safe to use around people, animals and water, Foamstream really lends itself to use in public spaces. We hope that the Vale's achievement will set a benchmark for other councils to follow."