A WEEDKILLER at the centre of a global debate on whether it causes cancer continues to be used across Chester and the wider area.

This is despite a recent ruling by a US jury that Roundup - which contains the controversial chemical glyphosate - contributed "substantially" to the terminal illness of a groundskeeper.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) cancer specialists had already concluded that glyphosate was “probably carcinogenic to humans” in a report in 2016.

The Standard reported in August that year that a local groundsman, working for Sanctuary Housing and Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC), had raised concerns about the use of the product.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, claims he was dismissed from his job after 10 years for refusing to work with Roundup.

This week he has reiterated his concerns, following the outcome of the US court case.

He told this newspaper: “I’m still in touch with a lot of the lads and of course they’re concerned and even scared about using it. They don’t want to risk losing their jobs though.

“The recent court case, along with other evidence, has made it clear that this is a dangerous product to use.”

His comments come as CWaC brings forward its weed-spraying programme after the hot summer led to an early invasion of weeds across the borough.

Some countries and regions - such as Portugal, Italy and Vancouver in Canada - have banned the use of glyphosate in public parks and gardens.

However, the council has stressed that members of the public are not at risk and all staff are highly trained in the use of the weedkiller.

Current guidance in the UK also allows the use of glyphosate.

Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Karen Shore, said: “The safety of both the public and our staff is, of course, a top priority.

“Members of the public are not at risk and all staff using this chemical are trained to national standards and provided with suitable protective clothing and other safety measures.

“All our StreetCare staff also receive annual checks to monitor their health and wellbeing.”

She added: “We have previously tried natural alternatives to glyphosate, such as a form of acetic acid, but the trials were disappointing and ineffective.

“The EU granted a licence for the continued use of glyphosate in 2017 with a further review taking place within five years and the European Food Safety Authority has also said the chemical is unlikely to cause cancer. We will continue to monitor their advice.”

A spokesman for Sanctuary Housing said he could not comment on the situation regarding specific former or current staff members.

But he added: “We will continue to be guided by advice from European Chemicals Agency (EHCA) and the UK Health and Safety Executive.

“Before any staff member can use herbicides or pesticides, they must undergo specialist training to gain the necessary qualifications. Then they can only use them in strictly controlled conditions and when personal protective equipment is being worn.”