Brighton: Banned weed killer returns despite protests

They claim wildlife has been put at risk as Brighton and Hove councillors gave the green light for street cleaners to use glyphosate to tackle the city's weed problem.

The chemical, which is said to have links to cancer, has been dubbed "poison" by some, with fears it could kill off entire ecosystems.

Now protesters plan to put a deputation into the council to stop the chemical being used in their streets.

Furious protesters outside the town hall (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Campaigner Steve Geliot said: "We've already started the process for a deputation. We want to do social weeding together in the summer with the advice and assistance from the council so we can be a pesticide-free community."

Steve Geliot led the protest on Tuesday (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

The weedkiller was banned by the Labour council in 2019 due to concerns it could cause cancer and damage the environment.

The party told voters in its 2023 manifesto that it "won’t return to the use of harmful glyphosate" but some seven months it has backtracked.

Councillors Trevor Muten and Tim Rowkins were quizzed by protesters (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

"I am angry with the council for going back on their promise," said Steve.

Read more: Weedkiller brought back five years after it was pulled from use

The World Health Organisation said the chemical is "probably carcinogenic to humans" but manufacturer Bayer and the European Union insist it is safe.

Steve said: "I worry about the damages from this year of glyphosate.

The protest outside Hove Town Hall on Tuesday (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

"You can't just dismiss it. There is science saying it is not all right."

TV presenter Kate Bradbury joined calls for a rethink. She said: "It feels like a massive backward step.

Kate with her dog Tosca (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

"Those of us who love nature have seen an uptick in wildlife. I had only ever found one caterpillar at a time but two years after they banned glyphosate I was rescuing handfuls of these caterpillars from the street weeds."

Ecology and conservation student Şeniz Mustafa, 24, said: "The council need to be more transparent. We need to make sure that the weeds are brought back to a manageable level, but glyphosate also affects the environment and even the starlings."

Şeniz Mustafa outside Hove Town Hall, carrying a bird-themed umbrella (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Environment councillor Tim Rowkins said the council has compromised with the reintroduction of glyphosate.

He said: "A conventional glyphosate application would have been the easiest option but I and the other members of this committee take concerns around safety and biodiversity extremely seriously.

“That is why we have gone above and beyond to find a way forward that substantially reduces any health and safety risk and potential impact on biodiversity.”