Cornwall Council has caused uproar in the last two weeks, after an “ultimatum” was sent to all parish and town councils in Cornwall on the subject of weed treatment and removal. The contents of the email state that Cornwall Council plans to take over the treatment of weeds in areas under the control of local councils since 2013, using glyphosate in those areas affected. This includes all public highways, from public footpaths to busy roads.

Though the choice to recentralise weed treatment may seem minor, the proposed use of glyphosate—a herbicide banned by many councils and municipal bodies across Europe—has led many councillors to speak out.

Councillors speak out against “ultimatum”.

The proposal has further enraged councillors, as authorities were given two options: opt in and see glyphosate reintroduced onto public highways, or opt out if the local authority is able to adhere to unspecified standards of maintenance. Communications between Cornwall Council and those at a local level suggest that, if local bodies do not adhere to those regulatory standards, they could be subjected to fines or reduced funding in the future. Councillors have labelled this an “ultimatum” which undermines local democratic decision-making.

Parish and town councils have until 20th April to decide whether they will opt in or choose to manage their own treatment. In response, some bodies have called extraordinary meetings, and those choosing to opt out have a matter of days to come up with a plan.

Redruth Town Council has launched a petition against the proposal, citing issues with the environmental impact of glyphosate, the short deadline, and the minimal stipend of £343.45 per km for councils to manage their own streets glyphosate-free. Penzance Town Council released a public letter on Tuesday citing similar concerns, and called the move “an example of extremely poor partnership working” between county and local councils.

The specifics.

The proposal comes after a decade of declining standards in local communities. According to Cornwall Council, it has received 2,000 complaints about overgrown weeds on footpaths and roads, which can be incredibly dangerous for the elderly and disabled.

Millbrook Parish Council, which was given permission to publish the email on its website, has also published answers to questions submitted to Cornwall Council on the use of glyphosate. In response, the unitary authority stated that Cormac Solutions will conduct weed treatment using Controlled Droplet Application (CDA), which will not involve the spraying of the herbicide and is “intended to minimise drift and prevent the chemical from becoming airborne or affecting unintended areas”.

Research into this method has shown a reduction in the drift of the herbicide into waterways and wider areas, though its minimising effects on insect populations are largely undiscussed.

The council also stated that only a “heavily diluted solution of glyphosate” would be used for weed treatment. This claim was reiterated in a Substack post by council leader and Lib Dem councillor for Bodmin, Leigh Frost. Though meant to reassure those concerned, it misunderstands that glyphosate is the active ingredient in many herbicides, which may remain harmful despite dilution.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust speaks out.

Cobblestone Media reached out to Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall’s leading environmental charity on the issue. In a press release, a spokesperson for the Trust stated:

“Cornwall Wildlife Trust has called on Cornwall Council to delay the planned reintroduction of glyphosate-based weedkillers and extend decision-making deadlines for town and parish councils, following proposals to reintroduce their use on urban highways across Cornwall.

“Town and parish councils were given short notice that glyphosate spraying could resume shortly on roads and pavements, unless they formally opt out. Councils are being asked to make decisions with significant environmental, financial and governance implications within a matter of weeks.

“Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall’s local wildlife charity, has written formally to Cornwall Council requesting that plans are delayed, and that the current opt-out deadlines are extended and replaced with a timetable that better supports local consultation and due diligence.”

Cheryl Marriott, Director of Nature and People at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, added:

“Town and parish councils simply haven’t been given enough time to consider these proposals properly. There is growing evidence that glyphosate use can be harmful to wildlife, particularly invertebrates and freshwater species. Decisions of this scale, and with potential impact on the environment, need to be made transparently and with community consultation.

“Reinstating glyphosate use feels like a significant backward step, and the way this has been done limits the opportunities for parish and town councils to investigate less damaging alternatives. Taking a little more time now would allow councils to meet properly, understand the implications for their areas, and hear from local residents.”

The Trust has raised concerns over the compressed timescales, the potential impacts of glyphosate on biodiversity, and the apparent misalignment with the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Nature Recovery Strategy, which includes a commitment to protect and enhance nature.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is also encouraging members of the public who are concerned about the issue to engage constructively by attending their local town or parish council meetings and supporting calls for a fairer timetable.

Further information, including details about glyphosate, is available on the Trust’s website.

Debate in the chamber.

Councillor Drew Creek for Newquay Trenance, and leader of the Cornwall Council’s Green Group, has tabled a motion hoping to push back the deadline for a decision. The cross-party motion points out the persistent problems with the herbicide, and describes the decision as “a significant policy reversal with ecological, public health and democratic implications for communities across Cornwall.” Others have used harsher language, labelling the move as a “U-turn” on the council’s 2016 commitments to halt herbicide use.

The motion will be debated at the next council meeting on the 21st April. If successful, the council will delay its decision on the matter until May 2026.

Image Via: Fresh NSS website.