AS a trial to find a safer weedkiller is not yet completed, spraying weeds in Petersfield will see a pesticide used that contains a potentially-harmful chemical.

After Petersfield residents campaigned last year to stop Hampshire County Council using a glyphosate-based ‘round-up’ type weedkiller, the authority pledged to trial glyphosate-free weedkiller in the town.

But the trial isn’t yet finished – and from August 22, council contractors will be spraying remaining pavements, paths and green spaces with the round-up solution.

Campaigners are now renewing pressure on the council to stop using the weedkiller they say can be harmful to humans, pets and wildlife.

And some of them are taking their protest on to the town’s streets – they are clearing them of weeds so the contractors have no need to spray them.

Beth Svarovska said: “When weeds are sprayed but not removed they rot down and provide humus, in which more weeds grow – so the problem gets worse rather than better.

“I have found that clearing the weeds and sweeping up afterwards just once or twice a year has meant there is very little weed growth, because there is minimal organic matter for the seeds to take root in.

“More regular and thorough street cleaning would reduce the need for spraying.”

Helena O’Shea added: “ I am particularly concerned as the directions given for using the pesticide used by the county council say ‘do not spray where growth is impaired by drought and high temperatures, otherwise poor control may result’.

“So given the recent temperatures resulting in the weeds being dead, it seems entirely pointless to go ahead.

“I’m sure the contractors could do other helpful tasks with a more positive impact for both themselves and the environment.

“We could also save money by not spraying.

“I am very concerned about the effects pesticides can have on humans and animals, particularly as my 14-year-old daughter has a life-long health condition that results in a suppressed immune system.”

County council highways manager Richard Bastow said some roads in the town had been treated with glyphosate-free weedkiller as part of the trial.

But he added the rest would be sprayed with a liquid containing the chemical.