Greenwich Council insists it follows guidelines after it confirmed it uses a weedkiller that has been linked with cancer.

The council said it uses Round Up to treat “some” weeds in parks, a product that was recently ruled in an American court as “causing cancer.”

In a landmark case, a groundsman claimed herbicides containing glyphosate – a major ingredient in Round Up products- had caused his cancer.

Monsanto was told to pay £226m – $289m – in damages to the man, and has since said it will appeal the decision.

Many councils have now come under pressure to scrap using the product, although Greenwich Council said all herbicides it uses are safe.

A Greenwich Council spokeswoman said: “The council does not use Round Up to treat weeds in streets across Greenwich but it does use a similar product called Trustee Amenity made by Barclay.

“Round Up Provantage is used to treat some weeds in parks – which staff stem-inject rather than spray.

“The council follows all government guidance on weed control and all the herbicides we use have been declared safe. We will always keep informed of any changes to guidelines and will follow them rigorously.”

Glyphosate is an ingredient in many weedkillers, although the science about its safety is not conclusive.

The American jury ruled that Monsanto’s weedkiller caused the 46-year-old man’s cancer, and that the corporation failed to warn him of the health hazards from exposure.

Some countries – such as Portugal and Italy – have already banned glyphosate use in parks and gardens.

Monsanto insists glyphosate is safe, adding on its website: “More than 800 scientific studies and reviews” had proved the ingredient does not cause cancer.

The UK Government said in a statement decisions based on the use of pesticides should be made on “the best available science.”