More than half of councils 'still use pesticides in public spaces'

More than half of councils in the UK continue to use pesticides in parks, playgrounds, pavements, playing fields and housing estates, research published today has revealed.

- Sandra Laville

However, local authorities are increasingly taking action to end or reduce their use of pesticides, according to research by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN).

The most widely used pesticide by local authorities is the weedkiller glyphosate, which has been linked to cancer. The overuse of pesticides has also been linked to major declines in wildlife, including birds, bees and hedgehogs.

PAN sent freedom of information requests to councils across the UK and had responses from more than 90%. Of the 368 local authorities who replied, 165, or 45%, were taking action to end or reduce their use of pesticides.