- Two motions delayed at the October Full Council meeting will be discussed on December 12th—a ban on cancer-causing weedkillers, and urgent action to protect Southend’s urban trees
- Cllr Stuart Allen highlights glyphosate’s risks to human health, pets and wildlife, while Cllr Richard Longstaff warns of the need for rapid tree planting to combat climate change and protect future generations
- Green councillors press for cross-party support to address these issues, stressing the urgency of preserving biodiversity and safeguarding Southend’s environment
Two key motions proposed by Green Party councillors are set to be discussed at Southend’s Full Council meeting on December 12th after discussions were delayed in October’s sitting. Among the postponed items were urgent motions on banning council use of glyphosate herbicides, and a new strategy for protecting the city’s tree canopy.
Cllr Stuart Allen’s proposal seeks to end the use of glyphosate, a cancer-causing herbicide linked to serious health and environmental concerns, on Southend’s streets. Meanwhile, Cllr Richard Longstaff’s motion calls for urgent action to stop unnecessary tree felling, preserve the city’s mature trees, and accelerate tree planting efforts.
Cllr Longstaff, who represents Leigh Ward, voiced his frustration, “Once again, we’re seeing delays in addressing this crucial issue. Mature trees are being lost at an alarming rate, and saplings simply can’t replace them fast enough. At our current rate, it could take 120 years to reach our 17% canopy target. We must act now, planting thousands of trees to protect future generations, particularly as climate change continues to intensify extreme weather and heatwaves that threaten the health and wellbeing of Southend’s residents.”
Cllr Allen added, “I’m eager for my motion to finally be debated. Glyphosate is not just dangerous to wildlife such as butterflies, bees, and other pollinators; it also poses significant risks to human health and pets. We must find safer alternatives and take a stand to ban this harmful chemical from our streets. I hope councillors across the chamber will join me in ensuring Southend does its part to protect people and the environment.”
The Green Party hopes the December meeting will allow for meaningful debate and swift action on these pressing issues.
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