Winchester Green Party questions council over harmful weed killers

Concerns have been raised about the herbicides being sprayed to manage weeds on pavements, verges, parks, and other open spaces across the city.

During recent chemical application to treat weeds on pavements, Green member Richard Needham spotted that contractors were using Roundup, containing Glyphosates, which has been banned by other councils across the country for harming human health and as a potential carcinogenic.

As well as being a risk to nature, Green Party members have said it could negatively impact dogs and surrounding nature, including trees.

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Co-chair of Winchester Green Party, Kate Needham, said: “What they’re using to control weeds is a huge concern. There are better and safer options available which don’t damage wildlife. We’re in a biodiversity crisis =, should we really be killing weeds?

“The pavements were swimming in the blue chemical and one of the guys spraying wasn’t even wearing the proper protection.

“I have no idea why Winchester is still using it, lots of councils around the country have banned it. The Green Party will be pushing the council to use alternatives and ban the use of Glysophate.

“There’s an obsession with everything being neat and tidy but we need to look to the future and how we manage weeds rather than just blitzing them.”

Newly elected Green councillor, Cllr Danny Lee, said “I am seeking a review of all relevant policies to limit and ban the use of such chemicals for managing weeds especially Glyphosates.

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“Safer non-chemical methods are available including mechanical techniques to manage and remove weeds. Urgent action is needed as no other herbicide is so non-selective. Glyphosate works against all plant species, can potentially kill large trees, and easily destroy wider habitats.

“According to Pesticide Action Network UK many councils have turned to chemical-free options so why not our local authorities?  It is essential we strive for a more hospitable environment for communities, our nature and animals.  A review could usefully be undertaken with Hampshire County Council for wider co-ordinated risk prevention to people and our environment."

Cllr Lee also believes that more environmentally friendly methods could help the authority meet objectives such as biodiversity net gain and protecting community health and the environment.

A spokesperson for Winchester City Council said: “Our contractors idverde recently carried out some limited weed spraying activity to clear hard surfaces at St George’s Street, ensuring they remain safe and fit for use. The work was undertaken to coincide with dry weather to make sure only the targeted area was affected.

“Products containing glyphosate are currently only used by the council in two per cent of the district grounds where impacts on the local environment are minimal and its use is restricted to twice a year.”