Taunton seems stuck with its ‘weedy’ image after councillors’ efforts to grasp the nettle withered.

Cllr Jefferson Horsley, leader of Taunton Deane Council’s LibDem opposition, said a mixed message was going out with beautiful floral displays ruined by weeds in pavements around the town.

Deane Council leader John Williams (Conservative) said it was the county council’s responsibility to clear weeds, while Tory-run County Hall says it has higher priorities.

Mr Horsley said: “It illustrates the inability of the two councils to get their act together to give Taunton the appearance and sense of pride it deserves.

“Yes, we can do our hanging baskets and embellish the town with floral displays to give us that sense of wellbeing.

“But, no, we’re unable to do the routine stuff of clearing up the growing amount of weeds sprouting up in our streets and built-up areas. The town’s in danger of becoming very shabby.”

Mr Horsley says LibDem attempts to target Deane funds at weeding and establishing a group of leaders from both authorities to tackle the problem have been blocked by Conservatives.

Mr Williams said removing the weeds was the responsibility of the county council, who previously paid the Deane to do the work, but has now withdrawn that cash.

He said: “It’s the county that’s cut the budget for removing the weeds, not us.

“The LibDems think money grows on trees, but we’ve had our budget cut by central Government and council taxpayers would be unhappy if we imposed service cuts on them to pay for something that’s the county council’s responsibility.

“I’ve taken it up with senior county council members and we’re trying to reach a sensible compromise.”

A county spokesman said: “Given the reduction in money available for all services, the council’s priority is to maintain a safe road network, with weed removal a lower priority among the council’s many complex and varied highways duties.”