‘Contractual obligations’ are causing the Isle of Wight Council to reintroduce the use of a controversial chemical weedkiller, however, it will continue to try to find a sustainable alternative.
Vice-chair of the Isle of Wight Green Party, Cllr Cameron Palin used public questions, at the budget meeting at County Hall on Wednesday, to express his disappointment over Island Roads’ decision to return to using Glyphosate.
He told the meeting its use harmed the natural environment, insects, bees and lizards.
The maker of Glyphosate, insist it poses no adverse effects to honey bees, based on extensive testing. However, some studies say it does harm bees indirectly.
Nearly 3,500 people have signed an Isle of Wight petition asking County Hall to prevent the use of weed killer and television presenter Chris Packham is among those criticising the decision.
On Wednesday night, Cllr Phil Jordan, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said it was a contractual issue, not an ecological debate.
The highways PFI contract, which is delivered by Island Roads, stipulates its use and to change it would require a waiver, or a deed of variation, which both parties would need to agree on, said Cllr Jordan.
A sustainable or agreeable alternative has not been agreed, but Cllr Jordan was determined to “at the very least, find a more sympathetic approach”.
The transport lead said he could not comment on how the previous administration had allowed hand weeding and non-herbicides in the first place and added the council is in discussions over performance standards that “fell short of contractual requirements.”
Cllr Jonathan Bacon, cabinet member for the environment and champion of the Isle of Wight biosphere, said he shared in the disappointment but understood the reasons for Glyphosate’s return.
Cllr Bacon said its use would be selective and particularly mindful of wildlife and promised to “put his weight behind seeking better solutions”.
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