The council had largely phased out glyphosate use over the last decade due to concerns about potential harm to humans and ecosystems. Thousands of people have signed petitions against the scheme, and dozens of protesters converged on county hall in Truro for a demonstration before a council meeting where the issue was debated. Protesters claim using glyphosate could put people and animals, particularly bees, at risk and harm beauty spots, arguing that the council is misguided to target weeds and that there is huge value in dandelions, daisies, and wild garlic that could be eradicated.
Health professionals have also raised alarms, with 200 signing a letter expressing concern about use of glyphosate near schools and healthcare settings. During the council meeting, Green councillor Drew Creek called the plan a 'significant policy reversal' and asked for it to be paused, citing that the World Health Organization has listed glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen since 2015. He argued that surface water run-off from treated areas may find its way into watercourses that discharge into the sea, including in Newquay.
I don't want my children splashing around in this.
In contrast, some smaller Cornish councils, like Penryn and Redruth town councils, plan to find other ways of tackling weeds without using glyphosate, such as through volunteer groups or community efforts. It remains unclear what specific evidence Cornwall Council is relying on to justify the reintroduction or if a risk assessment has been conducted, and the timeline for implementation and whether alternative methods are being considered have not been confirmed.