Councillors have criticised the decision to spray Newquay’s streets with a controversial herbicide to reduce weeds.

Three Green councillors and one Independent voted against Newquay Town Council’s use of Glyphosate following fears the chemical is “extremely” damaging to the environment and is classed as possibly carcinogenic.

Concern was also raised about the Newquay taxpayer paying twice for the preventative weed spraying of the town’s roads as Cornwall Council is supposed to carry out the service.

But the Cllr Andy Hannan, the chair of Newquay Town Council’s environment and facilities committee, which made the decision, argues the work would not be undertaken if the authority did not step in.

He added the environment working party is prioritising finding a workable alternative to using chemicals.

The environment and facilities committee agreed to renew the weed spraying contract for a further 12 months period at a cost of £8,000 at its recent meeting.

Green town councillor Steve Slade said: "It is shameful Newquay has not joined the 70 to 80 councils who have banned this harmful chemical, hopefully this is the last time we spray it on our streets.

“Council tax to Cornwall Council contributes to the maintenance of the county's road by the Highways department, but Cornwall Council currently relies on the Town Council to provide this service at a cost to the town council. 

“Taxpayers are paying from their council tax and again from the Town Council Precept. 

“In my view, the argument made by the Cornwall councillors that if the own council didn't do this, it wouldn't get done, is nonsense. “Cornwall council can paint yellow lines, fix potholes, and tell us where we can and cannot park, I find it unbelievable it cannot clear a few weeds."

Cllr Hannan said: “Newquay Town Council agree to take over this vital service many years ago, following their dissatisfaction with the level of service offered by Cornwall Council.

“Since then, we have successfully kept the major roads and pavements of Newquay from being overrun with weeds, and the resultant damage that would cause.

“The results of not spraying are unthinkable and not something I could I possible support. 

“As Chair of the Committee, I feel that it is vital that we keep our roads and pavements weed free, especially as we are a holiday destination that derives most of its income from our visitors during the holiday season. 

“These holiday makers provide the vibrant economy needed to support many of our families financially.

“At the same time, I am concerned about our environment. Unfortunately, the most effective and cost-effective way to keep weeds at bay is to use a chemical weed suppressant.

“Our chosen contractor is fully licenced to carry out this, and I am pleased to announce that we will be taking part in a new trial, where an additive will be used to drastically cut down the amount of weed suppressant used within the town. 

“This will be a first and, hopefully, something we can adopt for future years.

“In the meantime, our environment working party will prioritise finding a workable alternative to using chemicals, and I look forward to their findings and suggestions in the coming few months. 

“For now, it’s our responsibility to keep the town free of weeds for the benefit of our residents and visitors, whilst constantly striving to find a more environmentally friendly alternative as a matter of urgency.”