Cornwall Council has informed town and parish councils that its wholly owned contractor Cormac will resume widespread use of the chemical weedkiller glyphosate on roads and footways throughout Cornwall.

Cornwall Council’s use of glyphosate had been drastically reduced in recent years as a result of mounting evidence of dangers to both human health and biodiversity. Several town and parish councils, responding to residents’ concerns, had stopped its use altogether. Cormac’s own 2024 Nature Recovery Plan noted a 98% reduction in usage of the chemical.

Yet our town and parish councils have now been told they must either agree to routine use of glyphosate on their roads and footways or take on full responsibility for maintenance themselves from Cornwall Council. And that they must decide by 20 April.

They have also been told that if they do not meet Cornwall Council-set standards for maintenance using alternative methods, they will be unable to opt out the following year. This puts councils who want to keep glyphosate away from their communities between a rock and a hard place.

Town and parish councils have already set their very tight budgets for the coming year, and it’s extremely difficult for them to make their own alternative arrangements for non-glyphosate maintenance at such short notice.

As Cornwall residents, we are deeply concerned at Cornwall Council’s unilateral decision to resume widespread use of this harmful chemical.

A letter opposing this move from health-sector professionals in Cornwall has gathered a large number of signatures. It notes that studies have shown an association between glyphosate exposure and various health issues, including increased risk of cancers, liver disease, foetal malformations and neurological disorders.

Glyphosate is also known to harm beneficial insects, aquatic life, and soil health.

We call on Cornwall Council to pause the resumption of widespread glyphosate use by Cormac, so as to enable our elected Cornwall Councillors to fully discuss this issue, to allow proper consultation with all those affected, and to give time for our town and parish councils to research and cost alternative arrangements.

(NB: Please only sign this petition if you live in Cornwall)