Dear Councillors,

We are writing to you as we are concerned at the repeated use of glyphosate and harmful pesticides in recent years in Penryn for weed management on the highway and Council-owned land.

We cannot carry on spraying a product that is recognised as harmful to pollinators (bees, bumblebees, butterflies, etc) and the environment in general. We cannot carry on spraying products that are harmful to human health on our streets, in our parks, around residents, children and our pets.

Regarding public health, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organisation (WHO), has classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A). A recent study supported by Monsanto backing the claim of a ‘safe’ glyphosate has now been retracted*. While regulatory debates continue, we urge the Council to adopt the precautionary principle. As a community authority responsible for the welfare of residents, especially vulnerable groups such as children, pets, and the elderly who use these public spaces daily, the use of a probable human carcinogen is simply unacceptable.

The environmental impact of these broad-spectrum chemicals is highly destructive to local ecosystems. Glyphosate contaminates local waterways, poses a significant risk to aquatic life, and has been strongly implicated in the decline of essential pollinator populations, particularly bees and butterflies. Its use undermines local biodiversity efforts and contradicts the growing public and governmental commitment to tackling the climate and ecological emergency.

Many towns and cities across the UK have successfully moved away from chemical weed management. In Cornwall, Cornwall Council, Newquay, Wadebridge, Bude-Stratton, Camborne and Mylor and Perranarworthal have moved away or are phasing out its use. Penryn should not be late in prioritising our residents and our environment.

We request that Penryn Town Council immediately halt the use of glyphosate and commit to transitioning to proven non-chemical alternatives. These include, but are not limited to, manual weeding, electric treatment, targeted thermal treatments (such as hot foam or hot water), increased community adoption schemes, and preventative planting. These methods are safe, environmentally friendly, and provide opportunities for community engagement and local employment.

We respectfully request that the Council desists in appointing contractors for the spraying of glyphosate across our community and commits to adopting a chemical-free weed management policy forthwith. We look forward to your prompt confirmation of receipt and a formal response outlining the steps the Council will take to address this serious concern.

Yours sincerely,

Penryn residents and local residents

*science.org/content/article/journal-retracts-weed-...