ECO-CONSCIOUS volunteers who have worked tirelessly to keep a town free of pesticides say there are upset after the possible reintroduction of a controversial weed killer.

Two years ago Manningtree Town Council bosses unanimously voted to stop the use of glyphosate, which is designed to combat weed growth.

While there is no Government guidance against its use, the World Health Organisation has classified the sprayed chemical as being “potentially harmful to health”.

As a result of the authority’s ruling, and after gaining permission from Tendring Council and Essex County Council, Manningtree became a pesticide-free town.

Gazette:

Over the past 18 months, volunteers have dedicated themselves to maintaining the town, using natural methods to rid the streets of unwanted plants.

The responsibility of weed maintenance, however, has now been passed from Tendring Council back to Essex County Council and glyphosate-spraying gardeners have reportedly already returned to Manningtree.

READ MORE: Eco council wants Manningtree to become herbicide free

Environmentalist Ben Brown said: "We don’t know who has done it or why but we’ve discovered some streets have been sprayed and understandably people are very upset. 

"We are looking into what’s gone on and hope to have an answer very soon.

"It’s incredibly unfortunate and hopefully just a case of miscommunication. 

"I am sure Manningtree Town Council will continue to make the right decisions with regards to the climate and environment we live in - and those we work closely with will have to keep up with our pace."

Although glyphosate is one of the most used weed killers in the world, in recent years concerns have been raised over its impact on health and the environment.

Gazette:

Earlier this year, Colchester Borough Homes announced it would no longer use the chemical and Colchester Council moved to curb its use in April 2021.

A spokesman for Essex County Council added: “All products used by the county council are approved, licensed and used only for their intended purpose.

“As with all procedures, we regularly review our approach, in line with expert advice and will take action should it prove necessary to change our working practices.”