THE unexplained deaths of hundreds of bees in a town has sparked concern over the chemicals used by a council to spray weeds.

Residents in Oswaldtwistle were shocked to find the remains of several dead bees littering their streets just days after council workers had been spotted spraying chemicals in the town to kill off unwanted greenery.

But Cllr Paul Cox, cabinet member for Environmental Services at Hyndburn Council, said all the products they use are licensed for safe use in public places by the EU, but added they would be keeping the situation under review.

Ward councillor for the Immanuel ward, Councillor Josh Blayne Allen, said he had been contacted by several upset residents about the dead bees.

He said: “We are very concerned about what is causing them all to die and we want to look into the possibility that there could be a link between their deaths and the pesticides used by the council.

“If it turns out that there is some kind of connection then a full investigation needs to be carried out and the products we use need to be changed, no matter what the cost may be.”

Cllr Sara Britcliffe is looking into the issue with Cllr Allen.

She said: “Many people in the area make sure their gardens are places the bees can thrive, so it is important for us to ensure we find out what is going on.

“Many have been upset over the deaths, bees are so important to our ecosystem so we need to try and protect them.”

Dharamn Haworth, who took pictures of the dead bees on the junction of Rhyddings Street and Cecil Street, said he had rescued several surviving bees after seeing them struggling.

He said: “They were all drunk and stunned looking, incapable of flight. I dropped them onto open flowers but I don’t hold out much hope. This is sad and wrong and it needs to stop.

“If whatever it is is killing the bees, what effect is it having on cats, dogs or even humans?”

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Cllr Cox said the council is not aware of any connection between the bees and weed spraying activity and added: “We will keep the situation under review and if there is any evidence of a pattern we will obviously want to look into it in the future.”