A therapist fighting to ban pesticides says it is a “matter of great importance” for the health of both children and animals.

Anoushka Davy, a nutritional therapist based in Golders Green, launched the online petition, calling for Roundup, a substance that is toxic to plants, and other chemicals, to be banned in parks and streets across Barnet.

It has already gathered 650 signatures.

Ms Davy said, the use of glyphosates, a chemical used to kill weeds, has already been banned or restricted in eight countries.

The online petition read: “It is not acceptable that ourselves, our children and the animals we share our community with are being routinely exposed to these chemicals whether we like it or not.

“This is a matter of great importance for those of us who care about each other's health and the health of our children, our cats, our dogs and all the flora and fauna of this city, of course including our beloved bees.”

Jill Brooke of Barnet, a supporter of the petition, said: “I knew that recent scientific studies have revealed clear links between Glyphosate and non Hodgkin's lymphoma, damage to reproductive organs, kidney, liver, cardiovascular and respiratory organs.

“This stuff is lethal and needs to be banned worldwide, like DDT. Some USA states have banned it. Yet again, huge pharmaceutical companies make so much profit. Money and greed comes before our health. As usual.

“The more we spread the word and try to ban disgusting chemicals, the healthier we will be and perhaps cancer won't be thriving so. We need to back these petitions.”

Are you backing the petition? Let us know by email to bethan.marsh@london.newsquest.co.uk

To sign the petition, visit https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ban-dangerous-pesticides-in-barnet-london.