Colchester Green Party Councillors are vigorously opposing the possible reintroduction of Glyphosate spraying around children’s’ playgrounds by Colchester City Council. The suggested reintroduction of some spraying was discussed at the recent Cabinet meeting with both Cllr Kemal Çufoğlu and Cllr Mark Goacher speaking against such a move, along with Councillors from other parties and members of the public. Currently no firm decision has been taken.

The Green Party Group states: “We are concerned about the potentially dangerous impact on children using playgrounds, and residents’ health and wellbeing when enjoying greenspaces. We are equally concerned about the health and wellbeing of guide, assistance, medical detection and therapy dogs that many residents rely on. It remains unknown to us whether relevant health assessments were made by someone who is a qualified health and safety professional.”

In 2019, a working group established by the Colchester Green Party, and chaired by Councillor Kemal Çufoğlu, prepared a 24-page report on glyphosate which is an active ingredient in many weed killers. Colchester City Council stopped using the chemical in 2020.

You can read our full Glyphosate report by clicking the link in the menu on this website.