- Green Councillor is concerned about the ongoing use of Glyphosate
- Glyphosate is potentially dangerous to human health, wildlife, insects, and aquatic life
- European Union banned its use in 2023
Green Party Councillor, Cllr Stuart Allen, is proposing a motion at the Full Council meeting to ensure the Labour-led administration commits to its joint-administration agreement to stop the use of a dangerous herbicide on Southend’s streets.
The Ward Councillor for Leigh wants the council to find an alternative method for removing weeds from pavements, rather than using Glyphosate, which is already banned in Southend’s Parks and open spaces, as well as fully banned within the European Union.
“You can always tell when it’s been used by the scorch marks around the grass. It kills everything in its tracks and we now need to find an alternative solution to control weeds on our pavements as soon as possible.”
We are seeing a significant decline in butterflies, bees and other pollinators and we need to be doing everything we can to ensure their prosperity which includes banning the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides. Studies show that it is dangerous to humans as well as wildlife, so we have to look for an alternative before the next season.”
Cllr Stuart Allen, Leigh Ward
Green Party Activist, Nathaniel Love, who stood for the Greens in Belfairs at the last election, said “Glyphosate is a dangerous chemical and its detrimental biological impacts are well-researched. The use of these chemicals is harmful to residents’ health, specifically those of our children and pets who are more at risk of exposure. The ecological impact of the use of these chemicals on our environment is inexcusable.”
Cllr Stuart Allen’s motion is being seconded by independent Councillor for Thorpe Ward, Cllr Susan Badger, and hopes the Full Council approves the motion to better Southend’s streets for wildlife and human health.
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