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'Better ways of weed clearing' [editor's
title] Brent does need to step up its programme of manual weed-clearing from footpaths and the like. Yet we challenge the call by Labour councillors to have herbicides reinstated as the method of choice ('Weed out this problem now', 21 August). Here is a list of the basic herbicides still in use in the UK: 2,4-D, mecoprop, dichlorprop, MCPA and dicamba. They don't just sound sinister. Studies demonstrate the potential of these to affect human health, through soil contamination or rainoff into water supplies. Moreover, the relentless misuse of chemicals results in declining insect populations and impacts negatively on wildlife and biodiversity. For these reasons, Brent is quite correct to adopt and pursue a Pesticide Reduction Policy. Greens would dovetail this with education about why we need to find better ways of managing the planet which sustains us. Shahrar Ali Spokesperson for Environment and Planning Brent Green Party |
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