The machine, dubbed the “Weedo Weed Ripper,” is the latest addition to the council’s Cleansing Waste Operative Team (CWOT) arsenal, and it’s already making a visible impact in communities like Three Crosses.
The new equipment, a Westermann WKB660, is powered by a Honda GXV160 engine and features 12 braided wire spinning brushes capable of removing thick weeds and moss from hard surfaces in a single pass. Its eco-friendly design requires no chemicals or water, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional weed control methods.
Cllr Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community Services, praised the machine’s early success: “The CWOT team is continuing to do a great job, responding to requests from local councillors who help point them in the direction of areas that need attention. This new kit makes their work more efficient and less physically demanding.”
The weed ripper complements the council’s broader £2 million annual commitment to tackling litter, fly-tipping, and overgrowth across Swansea. The CWOT initiative, launched over two years ago, has already addressed more than 1,000 weeding and litter hotspots. Teams have cleared pavements, steps, and alleyways, removed tonnes of vegetation, and restored access to footpaths that had been overtaken by nature.
The CWOT’s efforts are part of a wider network of cleansing services that includes the newly formed Long Roads Cleansing Team. This group focuses on litter and debris along major roads and traffic islands—areas often neglected due to safety concerns and lack of pedestrian access. In one recent operation between Glais and Birchgrove, the team collected half a tonne of rubbish, much of it believed to have been discarded by passing motorists.
Cllr Anderson emphasized the importance of public cooperation: “The council is doing its best to keep Swansea clean and litter-free, but we need the public to play their part and look after their local environment.”
The introduction of the weed ripper is also a response to the physical demands placed on cleansing staff. With many tasks requiring manual labor in challenging conditions, the new machine is expected to reduce strain and improve productivity. Each set of brushes on the WKB660 can clear up to 700 square meters, and the machine’s adjustable height ensures even wear and optimal performance over time.
Residents are encouraged to report overgrown or littered areas to their local councillors, who can then coordinate with CWOT for targeted clean-up efforts. The council hopes that continued investment in innovative tools and dedicated teams will not only improve the city’s appearance but also foster a stronger sense of community pride.
As Swansea continues to modernize its approach to urban maintenance, the weed ripper stands as a symbol of the city’s commitment to cleaner, greener public spaces.
