Every year, East Sussex County Council sprays glyphosate-based weedkillers on Hastings and St Leonards’ kerbs, pavements and verges. Despite strong public concern — including a county-wide petition on this issue in 2021 — spraying continues. We believe this practice is harmful, unnecessary, and out of step with best practice elsewhere in the UK.
The harm caused by glyphosate:
Health risks:
The World Health Organisation’s International Agency for
Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified glyphosate as
“probably carcinogenic to humans.” Children and pets
are especially vulnerable when playing on or walking through
recently sprayed areas, and residues can be tracked into homes.
Damage to wildlife and pollinators:
Glyphosate indiscriminately kills wildflowers and plants along
pavements and verges, removing vital food sources for bees,
butterflies and other pollinators that are already in steep
decline.
Soil and water pollution:
Glyphosate disrupts soil ecosystems, reducing fertility and
biodiversity. When sprayed near drains, it can wash into waterways,
harming aquatic life.
Public spaces degraded:
Streets look bare and lifeless after chemical spraying, rather than
vibrant with low-growing greenery that supports insects and
contributes to urban biodiversity.
There are safer alternatives:
Councils across the UK — including Brighton & Hove,
Lewes, Glastonbury, Hammersmith & Fulham, Bristol, Hackney and
others — have already banned or phased out glyphosate. They
have adopted safer methods such as:
Mechanical brushes and sweepers
Hot water, steam or foam treatments
Manual removal or controlled “no spray” zones where
wildflowers are allowed to thrive
What we are asking:
End the use of glyphosate on streets, pavements, verges and public
spaces in Hastings and St Leonards.
Trial and adopt safe, non-chemical alternatives.
Work with local residents, town and borough councils to develop
environmentally responsible approaches that protect public health,
pets, and biodiversity.
Hastings and St Leonards should not be left behind while other councils move away from toxic weedkillers. By ending glyphosate spraying here, East Sussex County Council can protect the health of residents, safeguard our wildlife, and bring our town in line with modern, sustainable practice.
This ePetition ran from 23/09/2025 to 04/11/2025 and has now finished.
3 people signed this ePetition.