TAMESIDE’S Green Party has expressed deep concern and dismay after people were offered free pesticide spraying to combat a midge problem.
The Correspondent told in 2021 how those living near Audenshaw Reservoirs pleaded with Tameside Council and United Utilities to find a solution.
But reports the authority, in partnership with the body that manages the area, are offering the spraying of the substance have been met with anger.
A letter distributed in the area, under the heading Audenshaw midges – free garden pesticide spraying service, says: “Hopefully you have noticed a reduction in the number of midges in the area.
“It is our intention to keep the reservoir level low for the time being and monitor the situation as part of our plan to manage the midge numbers in the area.
“However, as the weather gets warmer, you may notice a re-emergence of the midges from to Audenshaw Reservoirs.
“We’re continuing to work with Tameside Council this year and wanted to remind you about the free garden pesticide spraying service which we are offering together to help reduce the impact.”
Tameside Greens say the proposal risks causing harm to the environment and wildlife, at a time when insect populations are already in catastrophic decline.
In October 2022, former Green councillor Lee Huntbach formally questioned the Council over its continued use of pesticides and weed killers across the borough.
And a spokesperson for the Tameside Green Party said: “We are extremely disappointed that the council’s response to the rise in the number of midges around Audenshaw Reservoir is to use pesticides.
“We appreciate that households backing on to the reservoir have problems with the amount of midges that mean they can’t sit in their gardens or open their doors at certain times of the year, and this needs to be managed.
“But pesticides are not the solution.
“Midges can be eaten by birds, bats and other wildlife. Spraying pesticides risks unintended consequences for biodiversity and our health.
“The council was already warned about the dangers associated with pesticides and the urgent need to move towards safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives.
“Helping natural predators such as bats and birds to thrive is a more sustainable way of managing midge populations, whereas the short-sighted use of pesticides risks harming the very species that help keep ecosystems in balance.
“We are calling on the council to urgently publish full details of the chemicals proposed for use, the environmental impact assessments undertaken, and what non-chemical alternatives were considered before this decision was made.”