GREEN steps are being taken by councillors to keep a town herbicide free.

Manningtree town councillors have unanimously voted to trial a suspension of the twice-yearly street spraying of the herbicide glyphosate.

The council took the decision based on growing concerns about the herbicide's possible effects on humans, animals and the environment.

Councillors say they are eager to make Manningtree a greener place and to increase biodiversity at this time of increasing awareness of environmental issues.

Sharon Barker and Ben Brown, who are both councillors, recently explained Manningtree already has volunteers who quietly work away in the background to keep the town a pleasant place to live in, and that others have shown themselves willing to swell their ranks.

A Manningtree Town Council spokesman said: "As the town covers such a small area, it is an ideal place to implement selective hand weeding as a viable, non-chemical alternative to the blanket spraying of herbicide in our streets.

"More volunteers are welcome to join the growing team."

However, as the land in question is owned by Essex County Council, Manningtree councillors are waiting clarification as to when the hand weeding trial can start.

It is proposed that the initial trial will last for three months once approved by the county council.

Essex County Council spokesman said: “Essex County Council is in principal happy to trial a suspension of herbicide spray but have asked for further clarification from Manningtree Council on the measures they will use instead as we need to ensure the highways are not damaged by weed growth.”

Anyone interested in helping can email sharonbarker@manningtreetowncouncil.org.uk or benbrown@manningtreetowncouncil.org.uk.