Over 850 people have signed a petition to ask that Derbyshire County Council to stop forcing High Peak Borough Council to use glyphosate-based weedkiller on High Peak pavements and roads, which they do three times per year.

The petition explains the harmful effects of glyphosate on human health, and biodiversity. 

Glyphosate has been classified as a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organisation. Peer-reviewed studies have found links to endocrine (hormone) disruption, neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s), liver and kidney disease, cancer, infertility in both men and women, and respiratory problems. It also impacts on house sparrow populations (which are in steep decline in the UK), other bird species, and bees. The effects on bees include negative effects on their behaviour, growth, development and immunity.

The petition explains that regulatory bodies are allowing the use of glyphosate, but that this is based on research conducted by herbicide companies themselves, not on independent and peer-reviewed scientific data. To sign the petition, visit https://chng.it/qZ2rnMxFbt.