PARENTS are calling for a potentially-dangerous chemical to be banned in South Ribble amid claims it could harm the health of their children.

Residents across Leyland claim Paraquat, one of a number of weedkillers used by South Ribble Borough Council, is being sprayed in open spaces as their children play - creating a worrying risk that they could inhale the hazardous chemical. Any amount of Paraquat which comes into contact with the human body can cause harm to the kidneys and have other serious effects.

And while the chemical becomes 'inactive' once it makes contact with soil, it doesn't break up if it lands on plants, pavements or lamp posts - something residents say is happening a lot.

Curlew Close, Leyland, resident, Andrew Wilkinson said: "I have taken photos of this stuff being sprayed within inches of mothers who are walking with their young children.

"I have also seen children playing on ground which has been sprayed just moments before, which terrifies me."

The issue was raised at a meeting of Farington Parish Council.

Coun Mark Alcock has promised to take the issue to South Ribble Borough Council.

He said: "It is dangerous and an alternative needs to be found. Once this chemical is in the body it can't be broken down and it causes all manner of harm."

Karen Ratcliffe, spokesman for South Ribble Borough Council said: "The council uses weedkillers for an essential reason. Weeds can destroys footpaths, making them dangerous for pedestrians.

"95 per cent of the spray we use is glyphospate which the public can buy. Once the weedkillers dry - a matter of minutes - they are completely harmless."

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