For years, I have been dealing with the repercussions of pesticide and heavy metal poisoning. The silent devastation caused by years of forestry, over-aggressive farming, and the contamination of our public drinking water, rivers, and streams has left an indelible mark on the natural world. Seeing my community subjected to the same risks due to the prevalent use of pesticides in public spaces fills me with grave concern. This is why I am calling for a ban on pesticide use in public spaces across Argyll and Bute.

Local councils are the primary users, applying pesticides in our parks, playgrounds, cemeteries, playing fields, pavements, and housing estates. Other landowners, including university campuses, car parks, hospitals, private housing developments, shopping centres, and schools, also join this practice.

The vast majority of these pesticides are herbicides used for cosmetic reasons, with glyphosate making up at least 90% of them. Glyphosate has been linked to the development of cancers and other serious diseases, posing an unacceptable risk to our community, especially too pregnant women & children who frequently play in these areas. Our Pets also are at high risk as they go about there day.

We cannot continue to allow our public spaces to be laden with chemicals that compromise our health and environment.

More sustainable practices, like natural weed control methods, mechanical removal, and organic alternatives, are viable solutions that many communities across the UK and Europe have successfully adopted.

These chemicals also cause environmental damage, contaminating water and removing much-needed habitat relied upon by wildlife such as bees and birds.

By advocating for a ban on these dangerous pesticides, we can work towards ensuring a safer, healthier environment for everyone in Argyll and Bute.

 Join me in urging the local councils and landowners to protect our community's wellbeing by halting the use of these harmful chemicals.

Pesticide Action Network UK "PAN" are the only UK charity focused solely on tackling the problems caused by pesticides and promoting safe and sustainable alternatives in agriculture, urban areas, homes and gardens. They work tirelessly to apply pressure on governments, regulators, policy makers, industry and retailers to reduce the impacts of harmful pesticides to both human health and the environment. There website has a vast amount of Information & resources for more detailed information.

https://www.pan-uk.org/

Please sign this petition to support a healthier future for Argyll and Bute by banning pesticides in our public spaces. Your signature could make a significant difference.

I do hope that, together, we can achieve a pesticide-free local environment in which both humans and wildlife thrive!