The Isle of Wight Council is to resume its use of a controversial chemical weedkiller, after a surge in complaints.

Contractor Island Roads got 221 complaints about weeds, between July and August 2021, after it sprayed fewer chemicals, used non-glyphosate-based herbicides and had a dedicated team of 12 people hand weeding, with traditional tools.

In 2019, there were 14 complaints and in 2020, there were 47.

Island Roads said: "Regrettably, we are unable to meet our contractual requirements to control weeds on the network using manual labour and organic herbicides.

"Therefore, following discussions with the Isle of Wight Council, our intention is to resume the use of licensed glyphosate-based herbicides, like those used in household weedkillers, this Spring.

Read more: Island Roads swaps to traditional weed killing methods

Island Roads said: "As part of this, we will continue to explore the use of alternative products as they are developed."

The makers of glyphosate deny it has a harmful impact on bees and insist it is safe.

However, it is heavily restricted around the world and Germany is working to ban its use by 2024.

There are mixed reports on the chemical's impact on human health and there have been some reports of plants becoming resistant to glyphosate, which kills the root after it is absorbed through their leaves.

"By allowing “weeds” to flourish, other species will thrive"

In November, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust told the County Press: "In this time of environmental and climate crisis we should be doing all we can to support nature's recovery including protecting the humble “weed”.

"The Island is an incredibly special place, rich in habitats, unique wildlife and designated as a UNESCO biosphere.

"By allowing “weeds” to flourish, other species will thrive adding to the local biodiversity."

"If a plant is not having a detrimental impact, it is perfectly acceptable to leave it, benefitting other species through the provision of pollen, nectar and seeds."

The Trust said it supported the use of herbicides to control invasive non-native species but this should be a "targeted approach to reduce impact on other flora and fauna."

Island Roads said it would use "highly diluted" weedkillers in the form of targeted spraying.

"As a company, we take our responsibility to the environment extremely seriously and, in partnership with the Council, keep our practices under review to ensure we continue to provide effective and responsible weed control as part our work to maintain a safe and accessible road and footway network."