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Glyphosate

Glyphosate is used by highways PFI contractor, Island Roads, to manage weeds across the Island’s footways.

Use of the controversial weed killer was paused in 2020/2021, and manual labour used instead. Following a rise in the number of complaints about the rapid increase of weeds, Island Roads returned to using Glyphosate in 2022.

Some parts of Ventnor are exempt from the use of Glyphosate in order to protect colonies of Wall Lizards.

Below are articles relating to the use of Glyphosate on the Isle of Wight.

10, March 2016·1 min read

Green MEP on new licence plans for ‘probably carcinogenic’ herbicide Glyphosate

Green MEP for the area, Keith Taylor explains the situation surrounding the rebellion from EU governments (except UK) opposing a new 15-year licence which the World Health Organisation confirmed is “probably carcinogenic” to humans.

28, August 2018·1 min read

Isle of Wight council to continue using ‘Roundup’ weed killer

Despite a £289 million San Francisco court ruling which claimed the weedkiller Roundup ‘substantially’ contributed to a man's terminal cancer, the Isle of Wight council will continue to use the chemical across the Island.

24, April 2019·2 min read

Call for temporary ban on Isle of Wight herbicide spraying as more dead wall lizards discovered

Steve Jones believes there is a direct link to roadsides being sprayed with herbicides, such as Roundup, and the loss of Ventnor wall lizards. OnTheWight has been in touch with the Isle of Wight council.

25, April 2019·3 min read

Council won’t budge on concerns over herbicide spraying and death of lizards

Isle of Wight council say they're satisfied use of herbicides by Island Roads is necessary, but those raising concerns say there's "strong circumstantial evidence of direct harmful effects"

3, June 2020·1 min read

Letter: Ventnor’s wall lizards and glorious flora should be protected from herbicide sprays

Bridget was shocked to see the habitats of Ventnor's much-loved wall lizards being sprayed with herbicides this week by Island Roads

5, June 2020·4 min read

Isle of Wight council explain their use of the ‘strongest weedkiller on the market’ that’s sprayed from moving Quad bikes: An indepth look

News OnTheWight takes an in-depth look into what is being sprayed around Isle of Wight roads and pavements from moving quad bikes

17, February 2022·6 min read

Island Roads return to using glyphosate: Petition launched to save Ventnor’s wall lizards (update 2)

The highways PFI company say they're unable to meet contractual requirements to control weeds using manual labour and organic herbicides, so will return to using glyphosate-products

Ventnor wall lizard popping out of undergrowth

24, February 2022·3 min read

Use of glyphosate a PFI ‘contractual issue’ says Cabinet member seeking an alternative at the highest level

Cllr Jordan said the subject was being discussed at the most senior level with Island Roads in order to find a sympathetic and sustainable alternative to the use of glyphosate weedkiller

10, March 2022·2 min read

Town Councillor calls on colleagues to support blanket ban on use of Glyphosate

The petition calling for a ban on glyphosate weed killer on the Isle of Wight has reached almost 4,000 signatures. The councillor who started it is now calling for even more action

11, March 2022·3 min read

Banning the use of Glyphosate weed killer is not a binary issue, say Cabinet member

When you understand the full picture, it's not quite as simple as just demanding the Council ban the use of Glyphosate, but there is hope for the Ventnor Wall Lizards

12, April 2022·3 min read

Ventnor Town Council ban use of glyphosates on their land: Here’s why

Although the Ventnor Town Council has voted to ban the use of glyphosates on their land, they said they needed to know the costs of alternatives and that a way forward would be decided at its next meeting

Person on quad bike spraying glyphosate-based weedkiller

15, April 2022·1 min read

Letter: Weedkiller sprayed from quad bikes ‘reckless and dangerous, but great fun for the drivers’

This reader tells News OnTheWight that she had to jump out of the way of operatives on quad bikes spraying weedkiller, which left a taste on her tongue and lungs for about an hour

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