A MASTERPLAN to cut pollution and prepare Wirral for the effects of climate change has been unveiled.

The initiative calls upon individuals, businesses and the public sector to prepare for “unavoidable global warming."

Groups and organisations from across the borough gathered at Wallasey Town Hall to launch the scheme, called: “Cool: Wirral Climate Change Strategy 2014-2019.”

Councillor Bernie Mooney, cabinet member for the environment, said: “We can all do practical things in response to climate change at home, at work and in our communities.

“Many of these actions will help cut waste, reduce costs and help make Wirral a better place. “Lots of people and organisations have already helped shape the strategy, but we need many more to get involved in translating it into action.”

The five year framework was developed by Wirral Climate Change Group - a partnership tasked with co-ordinating climate-related action following a series of public consultations.

The launch was opened by the Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Steve Foulkes, who joined visitors to hear a performance of Christmas tunes played on recycled instruments by pupils from St Alban’s School, Wallasey.

The event featured festive activities linked to a theme in the new strategy, from using pedal power to light a Christmas tree, to making decorations using recycled materials.

Earlier in the day, schools from across Wirral visited the town hall to take part in workshops with topics such as coastal erosion, managing parks and open spaces, developing renewable energy, low-energy lighting and sustainable travel Schools will now investigate these themes through their own research projects.

The initiative will culminate in climate change convention to be held in spring of 2015.

Find out more about Cool Wirral by clicking here and following @CoolWirral on twitter.