PESTICIDE Free Petersfield campaigners have come out in force to say they don’t want weed-killer containing harmful chemicals like glyphosate used in the town.
Before Hampshire County Council began its annual summer weed-kill, campaigner Julie Yardley of Kimbers gathered more than 400 signatures on a petition asking for a stop to the weed-killing, but although it went ahead regardless, more people have joined the campaign.
Julie said: “Since the Post reported the ‘Pesticide Free Petersfield’ campaign it has been delightful to walk around our town and see signs asking for no spraying.
“Children have chalked bees on pavements, people have made banners and signs that have gone up.
“But many bee friendly areas have been sprayed with glyphosate on the instructions of our councils.
“I have seen a wall packed with wall daisies covered with bees that had its edge on the pavement sprayed.
“People are unaware that such dangerous chemicals are used in our public places.
“That they are approved and applied by trained personnel does not make them safe.
“I have yet to see science based evidence of their safety from an organisation that does not stand to gain financially.
“I have spoken to friends, neighbours, residents and councillors about the dangers of pesticide, and have had some opposition.
“Some supporters of pesticides say they have been tested on animals, and been found safe, but those animals aren’t tested years later for Parkinson’s Disease, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, leukemia, and ADHD to name a few.
“Nor are they tested to see if a build up of different pesticides in their system causes illnesses, such as chronic fatigue, obesity, endocrine disruption and others.
“Others say weeds are untidy - but why use dangerous chemicals for the sake of ease and cost saving, and we must consider the cost of health to people and planet in this conversation.
“If you have a sign in your garden please send a photo to the Post, it’s a wonderful way to spread the word and work for a Pesticide Free Petersfield.”