100 signatures reached
To: Trowbridge Town Council
End the Use of Herbicides in Trowbridge
Petition to Trowbridge Town Council: End the Use of Herbicides in Our Community
Why is this important?
We, the undersigned residents of Trowbridge and surrounding parishes, call on Trowbridge Town Council (TTC) to immediately end the routine use of Glyphosate in our public spaces. Trowbridge once stood out for its commitment to weedkiller‑free management, but that progress has been undone by the return of spraying this year as a response to a limited number of complaints. We aim to show that there are many residents that are in support of a herbicide-free town.
Why We Are Calling for Change
1. Safeguarding Local Wildlife and Biodiversity
Trowbridge is home to a rich ecosystem of insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. Insects make up the foundation of the food web, and their decrease has a ripple effect out. We are in a biodiversity crisis, and insect populations have declined by roughly 60% in the last 2 decades. Around three quarters of the crops that we grow are pollinated by insects. Glyphosate does not discriminate; it kills bees, butterflies, moths and other invertebrates. It also kills wildflowers and disrupts the delicate balance of our local habitats. Many councils across the UK have already reduced or eliminated herbicide use to support biodiversity recovery whereas Trowbridge has gone backwards through its use of Glyphosate this year.
Trowbridge is home to a rich ecosystem of insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. Insects make up the foundation of the food web, and their decrease has a ripple effect out. We are in a biodiversity crisis, and insect populations have declined by roughly 60% in the last 2 decades. Around three quarters of the crops that we grow are pollinated by insects. Glyphosate does not discriminate; it kills bees, butterflies, moths and other invertebrates. It also kills wildflowers and disrupts the delicate balance of our local habitats. Many councils across the UK have already reduced or eliminated herbicide use to support biodiversity recovery whereas Trowbridge has gone backwards through its use of Glyphosate this year.
2. Protecting Public Health
There is a growing body of evidence that links the exposure to Glyphosate to potential health risks, including Parkinson's, some Cancers, Asthma, and Mental Health conditions (Pesticide Action Network). Residents and visitors should be able to enjoy public spaces without exposure to substances that may pose unnecessary risks. People enjoying our public spaces, children walking to school, and pets exploring verges all deserve a safe environment. People who work for the town council should not have to use hazardous chemicals to care for public spaces, which should be there to promote health and well-being.
There is a growing body of evidence that links the exposure to Glyphosate to potential health risks, including Parkinson's, some Cancers, Asthma, and Mental Health conditions (Pesticide Action Network). Residents and visitors should be able to enjoy public spaces without exposure to substances that may pose unnecessary risks. People enjoying our public spaces, children walking to school, and pets exploring verges all deserve a safe environment. People who work for the town council should not have to use hazardous chemicals to care for public spaces, which should be there to promote health and well-being.
3. Supporting a Greener, More Sustainable Town
Ending herbicide use aligns with wider environmental goals, including the Climate Emergency that Trowbridge Town Council declared in 2019. The Climate Crisis and the Biodiversity Crisis are inextricably linked, and reducing pesticide pollution is a vital part of supporting nature‑friendly land management. Alternative methods such as manual weeding, mechanical removal, mulching, and planting low‑maintenance ground cover are already being used successfully in towns and cities across the UK. We encourage TTC to back up their words with actions once again.
Ending herbicide use aligns with wider environmental goals, including the Climate Emergency that Trowbridge Town Council declared in 2019. The Climate Crisis and the Biodiversity Crisis are inextricably linked, and reducing pesticide pollution is a vital part of supporting nature‑friendly land management. Alternative methods such as manual weeding, mechanical removal, mulching, and planting low‑maintenance ground cover are already being used successfully in towns and cities across the UK. We encourage TTC to back up their words with actions once again.
4. Responding to Community Concerns
In defense of TTC we understand that spraying was brought back after complaints from a small number of residents. This petition aims to show you that there are many more residents who support sustainable and environmentally friendly weed control. Outside of situations where herbicides are legally required, or to control an invasive species, weedkiller should not be used as a regular maintenance tool just because it is shortsightedly believed to be a “cheaper” option. A modern, environmentally conscious town should listen to these concerns and adopt safer, more sustainable practices.
In defense of TTC we understand that spraying was brought back after complaints from a small number of residents. This petition aims to show you that there are many more residents who support sustainable and environmentally friendly weed control. Outside of situations where herbicides are legally required, or to control an invasive species, weedkiller should not be used as a regular maintenance tool just because it is shortsightedly believed to be a “cheaper” option. A modern, environmentally conscious town should listen to these concerns and adopt safer, more sustainable practices.
A Better Future for Trowbridge
By ending herbicide use, Trowbridge can become a healthier, greener, and more forward‑thinking town. This change would demonstrate leadership, protect our environment, and reflect the values of residents who want a safe, thriving and bio-diverse community for generations to come.
