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Some of you may remember that last year the Environmental Action Group started a petition against the spraying of glyphosate in our villages (normally done twice a year by North Yorkshire Council).

Research has shown us that this non-selective herbicide is highly toxic and is harmful to insects (affecting their metabolism and DNA) and humans (Probably carcinogenic according to the World Health Organisation).

The group has been in regular contact with Area 5 of North Yorkshire Council and this is their latest feedback. They have recognised the strength of feeling against its use and taken our concerns on board. They are currently investigating at senior level alternative methods of suppressing weeds eg. regular brushing and strimming along footway edges. I saw them strimming the road edges just the other day so looks like that’s already happening.

Until these alternatives are up and running properly our community needs to be a little more pro-active in keeping out villages tidy and safe. To this end some volunteers from the group were out with their hoes doing just that.

Here are a few before and after photos to show the difference to public places.

With the Open Gardens event coming up shortly (7th July) it would be good if we were looking our best.

If we all look a little beyond our own back yards and care for a nearby footpath or public area it would not be an arduous job. We don’t want our villages to look neglected but stopping the use of a toxic chemical is such an important environmental victory so let’s all work together to achieve a good outcome.

EwE Environmental Action Group