The subject of Island Roads returning to the use of glyphosates arose at Wednesday evening’s Full Council Meeting.
Cameron Palin, Vice Chair of the Isle of Wight Green Party, used public question time to express the Party’s disappointment at Island Roads’ decision to start using the weedkiller after a year of using hand methods.
“The use of this deadly weedkiller not only harms our natural environment but also species such as insects, bees, lizards and many more.
“Island Roads use the excuse that this is down to a mere 221 complaints since glyphosates stopped being used in 2021. In contrast we have seen over the last week over 3,200 [now 3,455 at time of publishing] people sign the petition to stop those.”
He asked for the Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure to explain why he supported Island Roads’ decision.
Jordan: A contractual issue
Cllr Phil Jordan explained the issue was a contractual one, “not an ecological debate”.
“As much as I’d like to be able to confirm we would take that binary decision not to use weedkiller, the PFI contract calls for its use.
“To change that would require a waiver or deed of variation of the contract that would need both parties to agree to.”
He added that at present they have not agreed a potential way forward that is “sustainable or agreeable”, outside of contractual obligations. He added,
“I cannot comment on what the previous administration did to agreeing to allow a non-contractual approach, but we are in discussion over performance standards that fell short of contractual requirements.”
Other councils using alternative methods
Mr Palin – who is also an East Cowes Town Councillor – pointed to the many councils across the country who have successfully managed weeds using different approaches, such as hot water spraying methods, which have been more effective than manual weeding.
He asked why Island Roads were able to meet the contractual obligation last year, but cannot now. He asked for the Cabinet member for transport and the Cabinet member for environment to commit to tackling the issue together.
Jordan: Determined to get a more sympathetic approach
Cllr Jordan said they were continuing to press for a better solution,
“We’re continuing to search for a sustainable alternative and we discuss all these issues with the contractor at the highest level.
“It’s been part of discussions with the most senior levels of management and it continues to do so.
“We are determined to get a more sympathetic approach at the very least.”
Bacon: Will put my weight behind seeking better alternatives
Cllr Jonathan Bacon, the Cabinet member for the environment said he supported the comment made by Cllr Jordan, adding that he shared Cllr Palin’s disappointment that a return to glyphosates had happened, but understood the reasons.
“What I certainly do support is looking to better ways to do this. Hot water alternative does have difficulties because while it deals with surface weeds it does not necessarily deal with what is under the ground which can potentially undermine road infrastructure through roots etc.
“Having spoken to the Director of Neighbourhoods this afternoon we are supporting careful selective use of glyphosate while it is still going to be used and particularly being mindful of wildlife where they may be affected, but certainly I would like to put my weight behind seeking better alternatives.
“It is plain the glyphosate can not be the only way to deal with weeds, I know that it’s a problem that has come up in various councils across the country, but it still seems that research is in early stages, but certainly we would support the research to find an effective alternative that is better for our environment.”
Image: © Benjamin Tonner
