Calls have been made for Glasgow council to further cut its use of a toxic weedkiller which is considered a threat to bee colonies and has been linked to cases of cancer.
A Glasgow City Council meeting heard 2,500 litres of the chemical weedkiller glyphosate was used to spray plants last year down from 3,500 litres the year before.
Councillor Ruairi Kelly, SNP, said it is used to control unwanted weeds including Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed.
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Some countries have banned the use of glyphosate-based products and a number of councils in England have stopped using them due to safety concerns.
Replying to a question about the use of glyphosate from councillor Martha Wardrop, councillor Kelly said trials using other methods have taken place including hot steam, hot foam and electric weed treatment.
He added: "Unfortunately none of these trials have been particularly successful either here in Glasgow or in the other local authorities, which have have run similar trials. The UK Government has approved the sale and use of the weed control products this council uses."
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic", although the level of risk to humans has been disputed.
The convenor said weedkillers used by the council have been proven to be safe to use around humans, animals and insects.
Scottish Greens councillor Martha Wardrop wanted an update on "actions taken to eliminate the use of glyphosate and other chemical weed killers by the council."
She added: "I hope we can see a reduction further in the use of glyphosate and other chemical weedkillers."
Glyphosate is contained in well known product Roundup among others.
Councillor Wardrop continued: "Can the council consider supporting the call for supermarkets to end the sale of glyphosate and chemical pesticide products for use in gardens as well."
Councillor Kelly said it wasn't his place to tell residents what to use in their gardens.
He said: "In terms of council policy we have considerably reduced the amount of it (chemical weedkiller) we use throughout the city. For comparison in 2021 across the city we were using three and a half thousand litres. It is down to two and a half thousand in 2022. "
He said the council will do what it can to reduce the use but added there are no alternative products available to do the job of adequate control of weeds in Glasgow currently.
