Sussex campaigner Georgina Downs has criticised a decision not to introduce buffer zones around farm fields despite fears of pesticide contamination from crop spraying.

The Government has rejected calls for the zones despite protests from people living near fields who believe their health problems are related to chemicals used by farmers.

Rural affairs minister Alun Michael has asked the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution to carry out a special study to examine the scientific evidence on which the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has based its decisions on the risks to people from pesticide exposure.

Ms Downs, 30, launched a one-woman campaign for anti-pesticide legislation after her family developed a series of illnesses she blames on chemicals used on fields near their home in Runcton, near Chichester.

She said the decision was "outrageous", adding: "This is yet another example of the Government's total disregard for public health.

"The evidence demonstrating the impact spraying has had on the health and lives of so many people is unarguable."

The Government set up consultation to look at the problem last year and a proposal for buffer zones around homes near farms.

Mr Michael said: "My number one priority has always been to ensure that the safety arrangements we have in place for pesticides do the job of protecting the public.

"The independent scientific advice I have received, both from the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides and Defra's chief scientific adviser, is very clear that the existing system provides full reassurance."