Thousands support a petition on ‘dangerous’ weed killer

CAMPAIGNERS CALLING for a ban on a ‘dangerous’ weed killer have ramped up the pressure on Sheffield Council to find a more eco-friendly alternative.

The group is warning the council against the use of glyphosate, which is a key chemical in RoundUp and Touchdown – herbicides used by its staff.

They say the chemical is dangerous to bees and other pollinators and says the World Health Organisation believes it could be carcinogenic to humans.

A petition on the issue has so far gathered 4,816 signatures – if they reach 5,000 it will be debated at full council.

Graham Wroe, who started the petition, said: “Glyphosate-based herbicides such as RoundUp and Touchdown pose a real risk to the public, our environment and horticultural workers.”

The council used 1,750 litres of glyphosate on pavements, verges and parks in 2018, according to a Freedom of Information Act request.

Campaigners have also started sending out postcards urging residents to lobby council leader Julie Dore and other local politicians to replace the weed killer with eco-friendly alternatives.

Councillor Mary Lea, Sheffield City Council’s cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure, said: “The council understands the concerns around the use of glyphosate and our parks and countryside service work and share best practice with other authorities around the country to find the best ways to reduce the use of glyphosate.

“We regularly review the latest information available so shared recommendations can help us to find the most appropriate methods to treat our green spaces. We are currently in the process of trialling a plant-based product which has natural occurring acids that naturally degrade when we treat our parks and green spaces.”