A motion calling for Cornwall Council’s public realm weed treatment proposals to be reconsidered was strongly supported at a meeting of the authority yesterday.
The treatment include glyphosate, which, across the globe, is considered to be a significant risk to health and ecology, even when spot spraying techniques are used. Recent human epidemiological studies (March 2026) have now linked glyphosate use/exposure with development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The debate followed significant public and member concern about proposals to reintroduce targeted chemical weed treatment, including concerns about the time given to town and parish councils to respond and the wider level of public confidence in the process.
The motion, submitted by Drew Creek and seconded by Karen La Borde, called for the proposed reintroduction to be paused to allow for greater consultation to take place. It was carried by 61 votes to seven.
Council leader Leigh Frost, said he and his cabinet colleagues would take time to consider the points raised. “We understand that people have very strong feelings about our public realm proposals,” he said.
“Members have expressed clear concerns, and we have also heard the strength of feeling reflected in the public questions raised today, including about the way these plans were communicated to town and parish councils. We accept that the process was not good enough, and we recognise the need for a clearer timetable.
“Our responsibility is to keep Cornwall’s streets, footpaths and kerbsides safe, accessible, and well maintained. But we also recognise that this must be done in a way that earns the confidence of members, town and parish councils, and the wider public.
“We’ll now carefully consider the points raised both in the motion and during the debate, including opt-out arrangements, and how any next steps are communicated.”
