The Isle of Wight Council is defending a decision to start using a controversial chemical weedkiller again, after 183 people (less than one per cent of the Island's population) complained about unwanted plants, between June and August, 2021.

Island Roads says it got 221 complaints in total over the summer months last year - compared to 47 in 2020 and 14 in 2019.

It trialled a herbicide-free approach - dedicating a team using shovels and hoes, instead of glyphosate, which is restricted in countries around the world and will be banned in Germany from 2024.

A petition has now been set up by Ventnor town councillor Mark Jefferies, who told the County Press he had been "inundated with calls from residents concerned about lizards, bees and the Biosphere".

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Backing Island Roads' decision, cabinet lead Councillor Phil Jordan said: "There is a legal obligation on us to ensure roads and pavements are safe.

"Island Roads' initiative ...was a useful exercise, but the results were not sustainable, nor successful, in managing the problem we face of dangerous levels of weed growth.

"We agree that for now, the use of a chemical-based weed control is a way forward for a controlled approach to maintaining both safety and preservation of the condition of our roads and footways."

Cllr Jordan said other local authorities had also returned to using chemicals, after similar trials.

Island Roads said: "Regrettably, we are unable to meet our contractual requirements to control weeds.

"Our intention is to resume the use of licensed glyphosate-based herbicides, like those used in household weedkillers."

The makers of glyphosate deny it has a harmful impact on bees.

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There are inconclusive mixed reports on the chemical's impact on human health and there have been some reports of plants becoming resistant to glyphosate, which kills the root after it is absorbed through their leaves.

In November, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust told the County Press: "We should be doing all we can to support nature's recovery, including protecting the humble 'weed'.

"The Island is an incredibly special place, rich in habitats, unique wildlife and designated as a UNESCO biosphere.

"By allowing 'weeds' to flourish, other species will thrive.

"If a plant is not having a detrimental impact, it is perfectly acceptable to leave it, benefitting other species."

It said it supported the use of herbicides to control invasive non-native species, as a "targeted approach, to reduce impact on other flora and fauna."

Island Roads said it will spray "highly diluted" weedkillers.