I am writing to you because you are running to be Mayor of Manchester. As a local resident, I am deeply concerned about pesticides being sprayed in our parks, playgrounds, pavements and other public spaces.Exposure to some of these chemicals has been linked to health problems, including cancer, asthma, birth defects and reproductive issues. Children, pregnant people and the elderly are particularly at risk. Pesticides are also devastating urban biodiversity by contaminating natural resources such as water and soil that is relied upon by wildlife including birds and bees. Our pets are also vulnerable to pesticide poisoning.Yet urban pesticide use is unnecessary. Almost all of the chemicals used are herbicides designed to remove weeds for cosmetic reasons. There are also many viable and cost-effective non-chemical alternatives available and more than 60 towns and cities across the UK have already taken steps to end or significantly reduce their use. In Greater Manchester, the list of metropolitan boroughs which are on their way to being pesticide-free includes Bury, Rochdale, Trafford and Manchester City. I urge you to commit to working towards making all of Manchester pesticide-free if elected.Find support and information about ending the use of urban pesticides at Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) here: https://www.pan-uk.org/make-my-town-pesticide-free/Help us make our city a safer and greener place for all that live, work and play here. I would be extremely grateful if you could respond to my email outlining your position and the steps you intend to take if elected.