Explain use of this toxic weedkiller

TORFAEN Borough Council have decided to continue the spraying of our estates with a toxic glyphosate based weedkiller.

They claim that the methodology used ensures a small amount of weedkiller is sprayed directly onto the weeds and it quickly dries so there is no danger to our health and wellbeing.

Last year my partner, daughter and l witnessed the spraying of this toxic weedkiller on the path we were walking down by an operative driving a mini four-wheeled vehicle.

Large amounts of weedkiller was being sprayed from a hand held lance as he drove down the path, he left a trail, he was spraying where there were no weeds.

We took photographs and sent them to the council who said this was ok.

Other people have also witnessed this method of spraying.

Torfaen Borough Council also incredibly state that glyphosate is harmless as only small amounts are to be sprayed.

I sent them a glyphosate monograph from Pesticide Action Network which states that very small amounts of glyphosate can cause severe liver and kidney failure, cancer etc.

This scientific evidence was ignored by mostly Labour councillors who voted to continue spraying.

I have sent the council a vast amount of evidence as to why this carcinogenic toxic weedkiller should not be sprayed around our estates but the council take no notice.

They refer to the EU ruling on this matter but ignore that the EU recommends that glyphosate is not sprayed in public places.

Our estates where the kids play are public places.

The detrimental effects of spraying a toxic poison on flora and fauna is well documented, so why did Torfaen Council’s “Biodiversity Champion”vote to continue the spraying?

Not through ignorance, as the facts were given.

Perhaps Torfaen Borough Council could give us residents a detailed scientific explanation?

Terry Banfield Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran