Success for Cleethorpes campaigner as councillors agree to phase out use of toxic herbicide in parks

                                                        

Cornflowers, poppies and  daisies used to be widespread in many parts of North East Lincolnshire (as here on land off Weelsby Road) but they mostly vanished when NELC operatives started getting liberal with Glyphosate

THE use of  Glyphosate herbicide is set to be phased out in parks and open spaces throughout North East Lincolnshire.

This proposal comes in the wake of a campaign by Cleethorpes woman Katie Teakle which prompted an investigation by NELC''s sustainability officers and a discussion at this week's meeting of the Communities scrutiny panel.

Later, this statement was issued by the authority: "It has been recommended to cabinet to fully phase out Glyphosate in parks and open spaces but to retain itsuse on highways and paths until a cost-effective alternative  is available."

There will also be a trial whereby Glyphosate - commonly known under the tradename, RoundUp  - will be  phased out along  a stretch of  highway to establish the extent to which wildflowers and pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies return.

However, the potential ban creates some complications for the authority.

As an alternatively, it  previously trialled the use of vinegar around the Doughty Road Depot but ceased after a member of staff complained about the smell.

The report to Thursday's communities scrutiny panel states: "The transition to alternative methods of weed control or no weed control is likely to have significant financial capital and revenue consequences.

"It is envisaged that strimming might require an additional 30 staff at a revenue cost of £1.3-million per year. 

"The capital cost of additional mechanised sweeper vehicles is estimated at £950,000, with additional annual revenue costs of  £260.000K."

But it continues: "Children and young people are especially concerned about our environment, and it is essential to engage with them on environmental matters."

The report also identifies 25 places in the borough where the use of Glyphosate  has already mostly been phased out: 

• Jubilee Park Perimeter

• Peaks Parkway (Bridge to roundabout)

• Boating Lake car park and green areas

• Pennells Garden Centre grassed area

• Belvoir wild areas

• Cleethorpes Country Park (perimeter and car park)

• Ainslie Rec and Katherine Street (Gas Alley)

• Highfield Avenue

• Weelsby Avenue wild area

• Former Scartho Baths site

• Westwood Ho (Ambulance Field)

• Augusta Street grassed area

• Bradley Hollow and copse area

• Duke of York gardens perimeter area

• Corporation Road along the wall line

• Railway side perimeter fence line (Willows Estate)

• Copse area Mayfair Drive East and West (Wybers)

• Ampleforth and Wingate green spaces

• Longitude Woods (Freshney)

• Cromwell Road open space

• Cromwell Road estate verges

• Kingston Gardens green spaces

• Capes Recreational 

• Laceby Bypass verges

• Achille Road wild are

It is understood that, such is its toxicity - which can worsen asthma symptoms - Glyphosate is already outlawed in the EU because of its devastating impact on biodiversity.

It is still available in the UK, but the Government is considering a nationwide ban as from January 1 next year.

                                        

Above and below - areas of Cleethorpes parkland where the controversial chemical has been applied to the detriment not just of wildflowers but also to the bees and butterflies that depend on them 

                                                   

Spraying with Glyphosate will continue indefinitely along roads and pavements