DUDLEY Council's use of pesticides to tackle the weeds in the borough is to be scrutinised next week.

Members of the housing and public realm scrutiny committee will look at the authority’s use of controversial weedkiller glyphosate which has been linked to cancer in a series of US court cases.

The chemical is used to tackle weeds on roads, pavements and other public spaces across the borough but concerns about its use have been raised by people across the borough over the last couple of years.

A report detailing its use, including its advantages and disadvantages, will be put before the committee along with suggested alternatives methods of weed control.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, Dudley Council's cabinet member for public realm, said: “It is absolutely vital we control the growth of weeds both for safety reasons on roads and pavements, to reduce damage to the highway infrastructure, and to ensure our borough continues to look inviting and welcoming.

“People have told us that tackling weeds is important to them and we have continued to invest in this area.

“The use of glyphosate has been the source of debate and we have therefore asked our scrutiny process to have a detailed look at its use, as well as any alternatives that might be available to control weeds.

“They will be looking at how it is used, how temperature and weather can affect it and any disadvantages and limitations for the chemical, so that we can make an informed decision on its future use.

“However, one thing is for certain, we must continue to do all we can to tackle weeds across the borough for everyone’s benefit.”

The meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday September 22.