EXETER'S county councillors have decided to spend part of their budget on treating the city's weeds to avoid a repeat of last year's problems. They will use a large proportion of their locality cash on weed spraying, which used to be paid for by Devon County Council.

Last year the authority decided to stop weed spraying – except where the growth was causing structural damage – as a cost-saving measure. It led to a major outbreak of weeds across the city, and councillors were inundated with complaints from residents.

The weed-spraying budget has not been reinstated. But county councillors have voted, subject to budget approval on February 15, for part of their locality money to be used for an initial spray early in the year.

Polsloe and Newtown councillor Richard Westlake said: "We have to get the best value and that means targeting the areas which we identify as priority areas – we should rank them as to how important they are in terms of community.

"This city is wonderful and we need to prioritise areas in co-operation with our city council colleagues."

St Leonard's and Priory councillor Jill Owen said: "This work must be done and needs to be high on the agenda, as does grass cutting, which was severely reduced last year. In some areas Exeter looked like a third-world country. If you live in the city and it looks uncared for it looks awful – we should take a pride in our city.

But Alphington and Cowick county councillor Vanessa Newcombe said the county council should reinstate its commitment to keeping the city clear of weeds.

"If the county council feels Exeter is the jewel in the crown then it should do the weed spraying," she said.

"What is being delegated is blame."

Councillor Pete Edwards, leader of the city council, said: "We are working with Devon County Council on things that can be done in partnership, with city and county councillors working more closely together for the benefit of Exeter."

The county council has previously said it is up to each member of the county committees how they spend their budgets and where there is the most local need.