SKIPTON'S parks and open spaces are going pesticide free following the adoption of a new policy by the town council.

The council says it is proud to have adopted the herbicide and pesticide policy from May which aims to eradicate the use of all harmful chemicals, where possible, and contribute to the health and wellbeing of residents.

Also included in the policy is a wildflower strategy, bee keeping, tree-planting and the use of 'green' vehicles. Bee-keeping takes place at two of the council's allotment sites and wildlife is actively encouraged at the Wilderness, off Otley Road.

Exceptions will however include the removal of the invasive, poisonous giant hogweed from the council's allotment sites - for the health and safety of both tenants and surrounding residents.

The plant is removed by a professional company which takes a 'targeted and precise approach' involving a stem injection method which aims to remove and destroy the plants as efficiently as possible.

The council is also working on finding an alternative to the use of chemicals to remove moss and tree sap from recreation grounds. It is currently trying out a chemical-free natural moss killer which it is hoped will gradually replace the previously used substance.

A spokesperson for Skipton Town Council said: "In our ongoing bid to provide a safe and environmentally friendly service to our community, we have adopted a herbicide and pesticide policy, which is available for viewing on our website.

"We hope that our ongoing ecologically sustainable work, helps to improve Skipton town's environment for all visitors, inhabitants, and wild species."

The spokesperson added: "Our team takes great pride in developing and maintaining the allotments, parks, and churchyards of Skipton.

"We continue to maintain our allotment sites to promote the organic growth of produce. We now have apiaries at both our Middletown and Broughton Road allotment sites managed by trained and knowledgeable apiarists.

"The Wilderness Woodland offers a natural haven for many species, encouraged to reside in this space by our offering of bug hotels, bird and hedgehog houses. We continue to monitor how the recreation areas throughout Skipton can be improved and have developed several wildflower areas."

If you live in the parish of Skipton and would like to apply to the town council's allotment waiting list, email admin@skiptontowncouncil.gov.uk.

Find out more about the council's herbicide and pesticide policy at: https://www.skiptontowncouncil.gov.uk/