Campaigners appeal for Wiltshire Council to ban ‘dangerous’ herbicide after £8 billion U.S. payout

WILDLIFE campaigners are appealing again for Wiltshire Council to ban its use of a controversial herbicide.

The latest call for a ban comes after recent news from America, where chemical firm Bayer has announced that it is to pay up to $10.9bn (£8.8bn) to settle claims from almost 100,000 people, linking its Roundup weedkiller with a diagnosis of cancer.

The glyphosate-based product has been subject to around 125,000 lawsuits over its allegedly carcinogenic effects –  an allegation that is denied by Bayer and backed by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

As reported in the White Horse News last year, Wiltshire Council currently sprays residential areas and roads with the herbicide glyphosate – also known as ‘Roundup’ – twice yearly across large parts of the county,  including in Westbury, Dilton Marsh, Edington and Bratton.

Local campaigner Sue Tweedie, who has campaigned for the ban of glyphosate, told White Horse News,  “Surely this should be enough for Wiltshire Council to ban its use and look at non-chemical solutions. I was in Rowde last week and witnessed curbsides being sprayed! The operative was in full protective gear! This may keep the person safe- questionable, but absolutely devastating for the plants and insects that it comes into contact with. 

“Wildlife can’t speak up for itself and we must change for the sake of our beautiful planet and the diversity of life that it supports.

“Come on Wiltshire – just stop using it! It should be banned by the government and never sold in garden centres either.”

At a Wiltshire Council meeting last month, councillors discussed a proposed ban of the herbicide, but instead voted in favour of a proposal to continue using the herbicide until an alternative method that is as equally effective becomes available. 

The use of glyphosate has been banned by other councils and in some countries over fears about its health risks and effects on the environment.

Wiltshire Council was approached for comment, but had not responded by the time the paper went to print.