ANGRY opposition councillors have accused Wyre Forest authority bosses of putting lives at risk after denying requests to stop using a controversial weed killer.

At a full Wyre Forest District Council meeting, Labour group leader Nigel Knowles had asked for treatments containing Glyphosate to no longer be used to tackle weeds across the district.

He said the World Health Organisation has labelled it as possibly carcinogenic and quoted an ongoing court case in California in which a school caretaker believes his cancer was caused by weed killer containing the substance.

But cabinet member for operational services Rebecca Vale said the Health and Safety Executive and the EU had cleared it for use and said they would continue to use it. But she added they would continue to monitor the situation.

Councillor Knowles said: “Glyphosate has been cited by the World Health Organisation as carcinogenic, a substance that induces cancer.

“Indeed, there is a big court case happening about it in the USA right now because a worker has cancer, and he’s claiming this weed killer caused it.

“I believe we should only use organic safe weed killers for controlling weeds on paths, pavements, lawns and hedgerows.

“I was asking the council to put the health and safety of our local workers, residents, pets and animals, first. All I got was platitudes.

“The unions are opposed to its use too and GMB Officer Kim Wright supports our call in order to protect her members. I am appalled the Tories won’t look into this further.

“What are they going to do, wait until one of their workers makes a claim too, or someone dies?”

Phil Oliver, of Wyre Forest Friends of the Earth, added: “We support the call to ban its use in Wyre Forest.

“Apart from safer organic means of weed control, there are other weed control measures available like hot foam systems, acetic acid dilutions, and electronic control systems.”

Councillor Vale said: “Wyre Forest District Council takes its obligations to health and safety very seriously and only uses selected herbicides as part of a balanced, integrated management programme.

“Like many other areas across the country we use a weed killer called Roundup. The active ingredient in Roundup is Glyphosate which targets an enzyme found in plants but not in people or pets.

“Similar weed killers are widely available in many DIY stores and garden centres.

“We follow government guidance on weed control and to date there is no firm evidence to suggest that Glyphosate, when used correctly, is detrimental to the environment or human health.

“Roundup is currently one of the most effective, and economical ways, to remove weeds although we are open to alternative solutions as long as they are both practical and cost effective.

“We will continue to monitor the situation regarding the product and should the Environment Agency and DEFRA change their guidance we will act accordingly.”