Local Authority Project

Pesticides are the only group of manufactured chemicals which are specifically designed to be toxic. They are also the only group of toxic chemicals routinely intentionally dispersed in the environment. Local authorities are major users of pesticides which can be important contributors to water contamination and are frequently used in close proximity to people, including children, the sick and elderly.

We provide information on pesticides and alternatives, respond to queries, organise information exchange workshops and feed into national policy making on relevant matters. Our many resources include a comprehensive research library, information on alternative controls and strategies, staff with a broad range of qualifications including BASIS and NPTC, advice about how organisations can achieve standards required by initiatives such as Best Value, Local Agenda 21 and the national Biodiversity Action Plan.

The project has been running since 1992 and was instrumental in setting up the Green Flag Park Award Scheme. Awards are made to local authorities that implement environmentally sensitive management of public open spaces. Now a nationally acknowledged benchmark, the scheme has been commended by the government and is held in high esteem by professionals.

LAP aims to help organisations to:


 Residual herbicides used to control weeds on pavements and roads often end up polluting drinking water

Within the following areas:

  • Grounds maintenance – many pesticide active ingredients are known to have serious toxic effects. Others are suspected of causing long term health problems such as cancer, or birth defects. Public open spaces are used by young children, pregnant women, the elderly and infirm and also provide wildlife with a haven from the urban environment.
  • Hard surfaces – residual herbicides are often used to control weeds on pavements and roads. Such chemicals are the most frequent and serious contaminants of drinking water.
  • Public health – pest controllers have at their disposal a fearsome armoury of chemicals, some of which are classed by the World Health organization as being among the most hazardous chemicals in widespread use. Public health pests often manifest themselves in places where the most vulnerable sections of society live or regularly use; poor housing, schools, hospitals and residential institutions.
  • Timber treatment – chemicals are usually applied in enclosed spaces such as roof voids and under floor spaces. The chemicals are designed to remain active for long periods to ensure that pests cannot become re-established. People are at risk of exposure to toxins, which often build up within homes and work places.

Greater knowledge can often reduce or eliminate
 the application of toxic chemical timber treatments

Services we offer:

This project is part of our UK and Europe Programme promoting pesticide reduction policies (reduction of use, risk and dependence) and public access to information and participation in decision making on pesticides issues. We monitor European policies and initiatives and support the PAN regional network of NGOs in Europe. We research the impacts of pesticides and the benefits of alternative practices in order to influence research, policy and practice. We work with farmers, local authority and home and garden users, and provide support for people whose health has been adversely affected by pesticides.

For more information about this project contact Roslyn McKendry, National Project Officer at PAN UK
[First published online in August 2001]