To spray or not to spray (with poisonous chemical Glyphosate)? That is the question for NELC's cabinet

Spraying in progress in Pier Gardens - the operator is wearing protective equipment, but not the members of the public 

                                                         

THE widespread but controversial use of a toxic herbicide within many North East Lincolnshire open spaces will come under the spotlight at this week's meeting of the council's cabinet.

Members will determine whether to cease applying Glyphosate (often sold under the name, Roundup) to certain green and leafy parts of the borough.

The discussion, scheduled for the meeting on Wednesday, has been prompted by a 21,268-signature  petition from a Cleethorpes resident.

She expressed concern that applications of the poison were not just killing wildflowers but causing loss of foraging habitat both for songbirds, such as Robins and Wrens, and for  bees, butterflies and other important pollinating insects.

The chemical, which has also been linked to cases of cancer in humans, will be banned within all EU countries at the end of this year, but its application will remain permissible in the UK up until December 15 next year.

A report to the meeting states: "It is recommended that cabinet  agrees the principle of carrying out  a range of low-cost or no-cost trials including the cessation of spraying altogether in identified locations in wards across North East Lincolnshire." 

However, this is a much-diluted version of the recommendation of a scrutiny panel which, in February, urged that the council should fully phase out Glyphosate in parks and open spaces but retain use on highways and paths until a cost-effective option is available.

It is understood that some NELC chiefs, both councillors and officers, are nervous about the recommended restrictions on use of poison for fear of public dissatisfaction - and a lot of flak -  about the extent of weed growth and the potential impact both on infrastructure and aesthetically. 

The report to cabinet continues:

"Weeds are controlled for the following reasons:   

• Appearance – weeds can detract from the overall appearance of an area.  

• Safety – weed growth can interfere with visibility for road users and obscure traffic. 

• Drainage – weeds in kerbs or around drains can prevent or slow down surface water drainage.  

• Damage – weed growth can affect paved surfaces and force kerbs apart increasing maintenance costs and impacting on pedestrian safety."

It continues: "At the current time, a change from the methodology for weed control is likely either to  increase costs significantly or reduce the impact of weed control methods. 

"It is envisaged that strimming would 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 £260,00. 

"Foamstream, which may be suitable for play areas, will require equipment at an annual cost of £17,000 per item of kit.  

"A reduction in the effectiveness of weed control may present other financial challenges such as detrimental impacts on infrastructure." 

However, on the other side of the coin, the report's author notes: "Our environmental strategies aim to improve the environment for the benefit of both current and future generations. 

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

Spray and go! The bases of the trees on Taylors Avenue, Cleethorpes, would provide habitat for wildflowers and foraging bees and butterflies were it not for the deadly chemical

Those were the days - a roadside verge in Grimsby before the council's spray-team got to work

The Grimsby News says: Chemical spraying is obviously harmful to nature - that’s its purpose after all. But it is understandable why council chiefs are seemingly reluctant to authorise a full ban on the use of Glyphosate. If unwanted flowers, however scarce, beautiful or butterfly-friendly, start sprouting on pavements and in roadside gutters, there will undoubtedly be protests from the public. Angry letters from residents will soon pour into the Grimsby Telegraph and flood social media. But, in the meantime, the practice of spraying under every highways tree or hedgerow should surely cease forthwith. Not only is it ecologically damaging but it is also expensive - not just the cost of the poison but also the wages of the operative who could be more usefully deployed elsewhere.