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"Absolutely Bonkers" - Chris Packham Slams Isle Of Wight Use Of Controversial Weedkiller

TV wildlife presenter Chris Packham is backing a petition to prevent the use of a controversial chemical weedkiller on the Isle of Wight.

Nearly 3,000 have signed the petition to stop Glyphosate being used on the Island's streets.

As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, the chemical was scrapped last year, with Island Roads instead focusing on a new approach. It involved hand weeding and some spraying, using a non-glyphosate-based herbicide. 

However, 221 complaints were lodged about the new method 'not working'. It led to the contractor reverting back to the use of the controversial weedkiller.

Wildlife expert Chris Packham, who is also a trustee at Sandown's Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, slammed Islanders for "whining".

He said:

"Glyphosate to be reintroduced on the Isle of Wight after only 221 complaints!

"Who are these 221 people complaining about a few weeds - absolutely ridiculous!

"We are in a climate emergency and people are whining to the council about weeds. Absolutely bonkers."

Last week Island Roads told Isle of Wight Radio:

"As a company we take our responsibility to the environment extremely seriously and, in partnership with the Council, keep our practices under review to ensure we continue to provide effective and responsible weed control as part our work to maintain a safe and accessible road and footway network."

Cllr Mark Jeffries' petition reads:

"This [Glyphosate] is not only harmful to the environment but to species such as lizards, insects, bees etc. Please help change Island Roads' decision on this and sign the petition now."

You can sign the petition here.

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