The Abbots in Transition Association are urging residents to write to Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) about their use of glyphosate, which is often harmful to wildlife and plants.
Glyphosate, commonly known by its original trade name, Roundup, is the world’s most widely used herbicide, or weedkiller.
Abbots in Transition, which aims to create a more sustainable future for the community, noticed the substance being sprayed in Upper Highway on October 14, and pointed out a number of issues they had with it.
On Facebook, the group posted photos of an employee of HCC contractors, Ringway, spraying glyphosate and said: “Why are the council spending money on doing this?
“It kills wildflowers which feed our insects. It drains into our waterways and into the drinking water and us. Our pets and hedgehogs get it on their paws and it’s not good for them. If you work for the council or these contractors, have you not heard about the devastating falls in insect and wildlife numbers?
“Please stop. Also, the worker doesn’t look to be using the correct protective gear. Please write to the council. Please ask them to stop.”
An HCC spokesperson said: “HCC has exercised due diligence and rigour in ensuring that glyphosate (herbicide) is safe to use in the treatment of weeds affecting the public highway.
“We are satisfied that our contractors Ringway use the herbicide only when necessary, and under strict controls when they do, with the utmost safety of their operatives and the public in mind.
“The use of glyphosate is compliant with the law, UK regulations, the national code of practice and aligns with industry-wide best practice.
“We have considered options other than chemicals for weed control including hand-pulling, cutting and strimming, cold and hot water treatment and flame treatment, but these were discounted on the grounds of being less effective.”
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