As many of you may have heard Torfaen Council decided to continue the use of glyphosate despite the mountain of evidence that we have provided demonstrating how and why it is a serious danger, to humans, animals, insects and biodiversity and just the world and life in general. Read what we presented in the transcript to the environment team here:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Bm3oT7MoxIsUr-jS7zFxTljy79TVgibx
We commend Councillors Elizabeth Haynes, Gwyn Jenkins, Nicholas Jones, Jason O’Connell, Louise Shepphard, Chris Tew and David Thomas who supported an amendment:
“The council agrees to cease using sprayed glyphosate based products for weed control in Torfaen with the exception of direct injection into Japanese knotweed within the next six months and a letter to be sent to the petitioner.”
This of course failed.
Interestingly another amendment was put forward:
“That council agrees the continued used of glyphosate based products for weed control in Torfaen other than in high footfall areas whilst monitoring the development of alternatives for the future. And that a letter advising if this be sent to the petitioner.”
This received 13 votes for and 24 against.
NOTE
Directive 2009/128/EC states in article 12:
‘Member States shall, having due regard for the necessary hygiene and public health requirements and biodiversity, or the results of relevant risk assessments, ensure that the use of pesticides is minimised or prohibited in certain specific areas. Appropriate risk management measures shall be taken and the use of low-risk plant protection products as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and biological control measures shall be considered in the first place. The specific areas in question are:
Reduction of pesticide use or risks in specific areas’ - ‘areas used by the general public or by vulnerable groups as defined in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, such as public parks and gardens, sports and recreation grounds, school grounds and children’s playgrounds and in the close vicinity of healthcare facilities;’
"Vulnerable groups means persons needing specific consideration when assessing the acute and chronic health effects of plant protection products. These include pregnant and nursing women, the unborn, infants and children, the elderly and workers and residents subject to high pesticide exposure over the long term."
And yet they continue to spray not only in these places but whilst the children are walking to school!!!
The 24 blinded, incompetent Councillors are:
Stuart Ashley, Ron Burnet, Richard Clarke, Veronica Crick, Fiona Cross, Dave Daniels, Giles Davies, Steve evans, Jon Horlor, Anthony Hunt, Gaynor James, Alan Jones, Faye Jones, Peter jones, Robert Kemp, Sue Malson, Mandy Owen, Jessica Powell, Kelly Preston, Emma Rapier, Rose seabourne, Collette Thomas, Neil Waite, David Yeowall
One day glyphosate will be banned, alongside all the other substances that used to be ‘deemed safe’. Maybe then you will realise. In the meantime we will continue gathering support alongside the 700 local people who petitioned to put a stop to it.