​Bury Council halts use of glyphosate herbicides

Bury Council has called an immediate halt to the use of glyphosate herbicides used in children’s play areas to control weeds.

The ban will come into effect now and is in advance of a cabinet meeting next month which will call for an in-depth review of all aspects of glyphosate and its use by the council.

Glyphosate is properly licensed and is used widely across the country by the farming industry and many others; it is also readily available in local shops and used by residents in their own gardens. Regardless, there is debate about its safety.

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “We are aware of the recent concerns expressed over the use of glyphosate to control weeds, including a campaign and petition from a group of Bury residents.

“We take all matters relating to public health seriously, and feel it is correct to stop using glyphosate herbicide in children’s play areas pending a wider examination of the issue. This review will also give us the opportunity to look at what viable alternatives there are and which would best protect our bio-diversity and ecology.

“I have had a positive discussion with local campaign representatives and will be meeting them next week to discuss how we can develop a community response to the use of glyphosate in Bury.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 16 May 2019.