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Monday, 28 July 2003

Civil rights campaigners have applauded the government's decision to consult on whether to introduce no-spray zones near rural homes.

The Pesticide Action Network said it was "cock-a-hoop" over the move which could provide members of the public with more information on pesticides sprayed near their homes.

The organisation has been "deluged" with responses from the public since it published a questionnaire on pesticide exposure in April.

"It's long overdue recognition for the civil rights of people who are surrounded by sprayed fields," said project co-ordinator for PAN-UK Alison Craig.
(Source Tom Allen-Stevens at www.fwi.co.uk)

However the industry is unhappy about the proposal saying that there is no evidence that there is a problem. Farmers Weekly are running a poll on their website which today show 71% against the exclusion zone compared with 29% for it. You may wish to add your vote at www.fwi.co.uk