Protesters are due to gather outside the town hall tonight to campaign against proposals for the continued use of weed killer.

Oxford City Council recently released a report suggesting it will continue using the pesticide glyphosate in the city.

The city council’s cabinet will decide on whether to accept the recommendation in the report at a meeting from 6pm tonight (December 13). 

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Glyphosate is the world’s most commonly used weed killer.

The council said the usage of the herbicide is "limited and carefully controlled" to minimise environmental impact.

But Green Party city councillor, Lois Muddiman, who represents the Osney and St Thomas ward, said: “The council’s use of glyphosate may be limited, but is still harmful.

"However carefully it is used, it will inevitably end up outside the targeted areas, due to run off, spray drift and soil absorption."

A representative of Oxford Friends of the Earth, Izzy Clarke, said:  “With mounting evidence highlighting the risks associated with glyphosate, it's imperative for Oxford City Council to reassess its stance on this chemical. 

"We urge the council to prioritise the wellbeing of our community and the environment by opting for safer, sustainable weed management practices."

Nigel Chapman, cabinet member for citizen focused services and council companies, admitted the council had not found an "efficient and cost-effective" alternative.

He said: “We have not yet found an efficient and cost-effective alternative that can guarantee effective weed control, despite exploring several avenues and experiences of other councils across the country.

"In particular, the uncontrolled spread of invasive species, such as Japanese Knotweed, poses a significant environmental risk which we cannot ignore."

Oxford City Council has been approached for comment.