Use of a controversial pesticide across South Kesteven is set to be cut back further.
It follows a proposal to phase out all synthetic pesticides on South Kesteven District Council-owned land.
The use of glyphosate by SKDC is already minimal, a report to a joint meeting of the Environment Overview Scrutiny Committee and the Rural and Communities Scrutiny Committee confirmed today.
It can be highly targeted and allow unwanted weeds and vegetation to be treated without harming other plants. However, some overseas studies have resulted in concerns over its safety.
A recommendation will now go to Cabinet that the Council should continue with a strategy to reduce the use of glyphosate on land it is responsible for maintaining, where this is possible, without having a detrimental impact on the aesthetic appeal of the district.
Cllr Rhys Baker, SKDC's Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: "We know that the public has concerns about using glyphosate to control weeds.
"We take all matters relating to public health seriously and will continue to strive for viable alternatives to minimise its use for the future which would best protect our biodiversity and ecology.
“We want the right control in the right place, balancing aesthetics, safety, cost and biodiversity.”
Sustainability and Climate Change Manager Serena Brown said in a report to the committee: "The Council’s use of glyphosate is currently limited to hard surfaces in mainly urban areas for the purpose of controlling weed growth. The product currently being used by the Council, according to the manufacturer, is not harmful to animals or aquatic life if diluted and applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions
"When used responsibly glyphosate may have a lower environmental impact when compared to alternative herbicides which may require more frequent applications or have a higher toxicity.
"A complete ban could hinder the Council’s efforts to maintain tree populations, protect biodiversity and ensure successful amenity tree establishment and woodland creation."
Some councils - Brighton and Hove, North Lanarkshire and Lambeth Council, which made the decision to ban glyphosates - have since reversed the decision due to public pressure resulting from out-of-control weed growth, public safety concerns and resident dissatisfaction.
The glyphosate used is classed as a hazardous material and is currently used and stored in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations and industry best practice guidelines.
The amount of glyphosate used by the Council has already decreased over recent years. Currently the Street Scene Team uses Round Up Pro Active 360 to kill and suppress weeds on identified areas across the district. The use of glyphosate on Council land is seen as a cost-effective method of controlling weed growth.