At the meeting of the Council’s Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee on Friday 6th November 2026, Green Party Councillors once again opposed the routine use of the toxic pesticide Glyphosate on Sheffield’s streets and they supported the introduction of an “opt out” approach.
The proposed “opt out” only allows for 20 streets to participate.
Hillsborough Ward Councillor Christine Gilligan Kubo said,
“There is clearly a huge underestimation of the public interest in this. People all across the city want to see an end to chemical spraying. The fantastic community group ‘No Glyphosate Sheffield’ have already got 33 streets signed up and conversations are happening across many more streets. I will keep pushing for “opt out” for any street, so that local residents are not sidelined and people can live on pesticide- free streets.”
“I will also continue to encourage ending the use of glyphosate and to look at using other ways of removing weeds and vegetation around street furniture. Alternative products are available or manual weed removal.
“The current spot treatment around obstacles is not necessary and it is particularly important that tree pits are not sprayed.
“Our country is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world and ranks in the worst 10%. In response the Council has declared a Nature Emergency and so allowing more vegetation in our environment is a positive thing that helps support biodiversity.
Green Party Councillor for Burngreave Councillor Mustafa Ahmed said,
“There are some very real dangers from glyphosate to people and animals and evidence that it is linked to increased risk of cancers and leukaemia even at what the EU classes as safe exposures.
“Glyphosate harms and kills creatures like bees, butterflies and earthworms.We are in a nature crisis and the use of pesticides makes it worse.
Councillors Christine Gilligan Kubo and Mustafa Ahmed proposed an alternative to the recommended option that encourages the introduction of trials of Chemical Free Streets but opposes the routine spraying around obstacles including tree pits.
The Committee voted down this option and elected to introduce the trials of chemical free streets but to continue the spraying of Glyphosate around obstacles such as benches and other street furniture.
