THREE leading members of the Green Party in South Gloucestershire have written an open letter asking the district council to reconsider using glyphosate as a weed killer this summer.

Sonia Adrissi, Jenny Vernon and Iain Hamilton said South Gloucestershire Council’s decision to use the controversial herbicide, listed a probable carcinogen under its brand name Roundup by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), would put people’s health at risk.

Iain Hamilton, who stood for election as the Green candidate for Thornbury and Yate, said: “Glyphosate is used liberally in the streets and parks of many towns and cities to control grass and weeds but was classified by the IARC, an arm of the World Health Organisation (WHO), as 'probably carcinogenic to humans'.

“Based on this classification, I feel that South Gloucestershire Council should stop using glyphosate with immediate effect. Why risk the health of South Gloucestershire residents when alternatives are out there to be used? I ask everyone to contact their local councillor and ask that they stop spraying glyphosate.”

Jenny Vernon, Green party co-ordinator, said: “When supermarkets and retail giants decide not to sell products containing glyphosate and organisations from town councils to entire countries ban its use, it’s time to take notice.

“Classed by the World Health Organisation as a 'known carcinogen in animals and a probable carcinogen in humans” you have to ask why South Gloucestershire Council would decide to inflict this on us? We would urge them to consider other cost effective animal and human-friendly methods of weed control.”

Resident Sonia Adrissi said the use of glyphosate could make her ongoing health conditions worse.

“My lifestyle is governed by my need to not only keeping myself safe by avoiding all chemicals and using only natural personal care and cleaning products inside and outside my home, but to improve my failing health by eating only organic, natural whole foods.

“My initial inquiry with the council about omitting my property from the spraying was met with a dismaying and alarming refusal because it goes against their policy.

"The council has a duty to protect the health and welfare of its people especially if in carrying out this spraying it puts the public at risk. I cannot believe that any “policy” would over-ride this right for me to be safe?”

A spokesman for South Gloucestershire Council said the authority used spot application glyphosate rather than spray.

He added: “We do currently use glyphosate in our annual weed control programme, but are actively seeking alternatives.

“The first treatment in South Gloucestershire this year will take place in May, which is the usual time of year for this work to be carried out.”