A WOMAN is calling on a council to stop using a weed killer she claims gives her headaches when it is sprayed near her home.

Yvonne Ivey, 44, of Kimberley Avenue, Catchgate, near Stanley, also wants Derwentside District Council to give residents 24 hours notice before spraying takes place.

She blames the glyphosate used in the spray and claims it makes her feel nauseous.

She said: "They should not be using that substance without warning people first. It is a health and safety issue, especially when there are children and animals around.

"It gives me terrible thumping headaches and it is horrible. They should at least give us some warning."

When it first happened last year Mrs Ivey set out collecting names on a petition calling for the council to stop using the substance. She claims to have the support of 200 people.

Peter Reynolds, director of environmental services of Derwentside District Council, said Mrs Ivey was the only person complaining of feeling ill as a result of the spray.

He said: "As a result of Mrs Ivey's concerns we have looked into it. The spray is put directly on the weed and it is not airborne. The spray has been tested thoroughly and it is no more toxic than shampoo.

"There is no legal requirement to inform people before using it and informing all residents every time we did would wipe the budget out."