As I write this, the sun has finally started to shine following a very wet and bleak winter and there is more than a touch of spring in the air. I have been out in the garden mowing the grass to try to get ahead of things and have been sowing seeds in the hope that they will germinate and produce a great crop later in the year.
I have also started the annual competition with the weeds. I seem to spend hours bent over with a fork in my hand, gently removing the plethora of seedlings that pop up just where I don’t want them. For the more vigorous brambles a different approach needs to be taken and, having cut them down over the winter, I am now trying to dig them up as soon as they show signs of growth, in the sure knowledge that I won’t be able to get rid of them all. It is this dilemma that Cornwall Council is facing and why we have a motion being put to the Full Council on 21st April around the reintroduction of the limited and controlled use of glyphosates to ensure that weeds are controlled in road edges and on pavements. This is both to enhance the appearance of these and also to help ensure that they are protected from damage that is caused by the roots breaking up the surface, causing damage and dislodging kerbs which then have to be repaired at considerable cost. It is not a decision to be taken lightly and there is considerable reaction to this proposal from many, although I have only received 2 emails from residents concerning this. Town and parish councils affected have been given the opportunity to opt out of the proposals on the basis that they can then manage these public areas without chemicals provided standards are maintained. Cornwall council only gave 3 weeks to decide upon the opting out and this was too short. The period needs to be extended so that these councils have time to reflect and come to their decision. In looking at this myself, to come to a view as to what should be done, I have found it extremely hard to find objective independent views. There are many studies and they are often contradictory in their findings. The EU has recently (2023) renewed licensing of the use of glyphosate for a further10 years whist the UK is currently looking at it with a view to coming to a decision in December of this year. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies glyphosate as probably carcinogenic to humans however, Cancer Research UK states “there isn’t enough good-quality evidence to be certain that exposure to pesticides at high levels causes cancer. We need more research to be sure.” High levels relates to those such as farmers and agricultural workers who spray regularly. The proposed programme would see glyphosate used at a dilution of 38 parts water to 1, a ratio very much reduced from that we can all buy and use in our own gardens. However making a decision where there is conflicting evidence is difficult and I feel that town and parish councils along with Cornwall councillors need unbiased independent guidance around the benefits and implications of introducing this programme. I will listen to the debate in the chamber on the 21st and come to a conclusion.
I was delighted to be able to join the beach organised by Surfers against sewage clean in the Harbour a week or so ago. It was great to see so many , especially younger people, out helping and thanks must go to Jess for organising and the Harbour Rowing Club whose members were out in force. Another pleasing thing was to see how relatively clean and clear the harbour was from debris.
With the lighter evening now here I hope that you are able to get out and about to enjoy the beautiful countryside we have around us, weeds and all.
If you need my help or support with any matter please don’t hesitate to contact me either through my email: cllr.mark.burnett@cornwall.gov.uk or on my mobile 07928 945782.
Councillor Mark Burnett
Cornwall Councillor for Camelford and Boscastle
