Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an overview on the use of herbicides and pesticides in Stockport, highlighting environmental and health impacts, assessing viable alternative options and reductions in use whilst maintaining efficient service delivery.

The Scrutiny Committee are requested to note the report.

Officer contact: Emma Stubbs | emma.stubbs@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview on the use of herbicides and pesticides in Stockport, highlighting environmental and health impacts, assessing viable alternative options and reductions in use whilst maintaining efficient service delivery.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The report had been requested by members of the Scrutiny Committee at their meeting held on 15 June 2023, and outlined current policy within the area.

·         It was noted that certain tougher weeds required the use of glyphosate-based herbicides, and different methods were suitable in different areas. The council would not allow certain areas to be damaged by tough weeds, which would result in the cost of repairs to the council.

·         The council continuously reviewed the use of these herbicides in ground maintenance operations, including reductions in their use.

·         The council were keen to learn from other local authority areas in seeking best practice.

·         The work of Friends of Parks and other community groups complemented the work of the council well in grounds maintenance operations, and the council were keen to hear from local groups.

·         It was suggested that Lambeth London Borough Council’s community weeding scheme be reviewed as an example of best practice. It was suggested that any findings be submitted to the Local Nature Recovery Group for consideration.

·         The council were reliant on advice from scientists on the use of glyphosate-based herbicides, which were widely used, and accepted that an organic approach would be optimal.

·         Members were pleased to see the gains the council had made in reducing the use of glyphosate-based herbicides where possible, as well as the intended ongoing work of the council.

·         Members were encouraged to work with local neighbourhood teams to identify areas that could be suitable for wildflower meadows. It was suggested that signage be put in place in and around any wildflower meadow fields to help garner community support for them.

Thanks for expressed for the report and work to date.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That it be noted that Stockport Council would continue to seek ways to further reduce the amount of glyphosate currently used in the maintenance of highways, parks, greenspaces and cemeteries whilst understanding that the overall level of maintenance needs to remain at existing standards.

(3) That it be noted that the council would prioritise exploring alternative methods of weed control and their feasibility, looking for best practice across the industry and working with community volunteers wherever possible.

(4) That it be noted that the council would work with GM and partner colleagues to understand best environmental practice around pesticides and seek to minimise any detrimental effects to health or environment, and in particular, watercourses.