A PEMBROKESHIRE villager has voiced her concerns at the county council’s use of weedkiller.

Jenny Robertson-Coupar was returning to her Mynachlogddu home in the Preseli hills when she spotted two council workmen spraying the bases of two of the bridges in the village.

“I asked them why they were spraying and I was told they were getting rid of weeds,” said Jenny.

“Firstly the ‘weeds’ have been spectacular this summer. No-one could have failed to see the beautiful campion, bluebells, foxgloves and pretty speedwell, so why do they feel the need to eradicate them? So much wildlife depends on them.

“Secondly, why are the council spraying anywhere near a watercourse. There are many fresh springs that come straight off the mountain, so clear people stop at the spring outside my house to fill containers for drinking water.

“So why spread poison anywhere near a watercourse?

“I am so incensed by the whole thing at a time when we are all trying to do our bit for the environment. Surely the council could find better ways of spending our money, maybe pick up litter from the verges?

“Also, what effect does this poison have on our pets? My dog is always sticking his nose into things, this could be very harmful to him. Our rivers are sadly devoid of so much insect life and small fish, there is little for them to eat. Surely this indiscriminate spraying must stop.

A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “As part of highway maintenance, weed spraying is carried out to kerblines, back of footways and around bridge parapets to prevent any damage by the root system of the plants to the road and bridge structure.

“Application of the product is kept to a minimum and is only applied during dry periods and is dry within half an hour which avoids any run-off.

“If rain is predicted, weed spraying is not carried due to the possibility of any run off.

“The authority takes into account the wild flowers particular as part of our highway verge cutting regime.

“Only one main cut is carried out starting on July 1st, which allows for the wildflowers to spread their seeds for the following season.”