A PROTEST took place outside Wallasey Town Hall to press the council to declare a 'climate emergency'.

Environmental activists from the Extinction Rebellion Wirral group protested outside the town hall ahead of an extraordinary council meeting to declare a climate emergency on Monday, July 15.

In December 2018, the council amended a motion put forward by local Green party leader Cllr Pat Cleary and Liberal Democrat Cllr Stuart Kelly to declare a climate emergency.

However after cabinet member for environment and climate change Cllr Liz Grey proposed the motion, the council unanimously agreed to back the declaration on Monday.

The move sees Wirral join other local authorities across the UK who have declared a climate emergency in line with parliament's announcement earlier this year.

This coincides with a programme of works from the council designed to reduce the carbon impact of the borough's public services.

Wirral Globe:

Plans include planting more trees and wildflowers, curbing the use of harmful pesticides and changes to Wirral's travel strategy.

Cllr Liz Grey said: “There are changes that we can make, in our own lives and as a local authority, that can make a difference.

“Planting many more trees and wildflowers for pollinators such as bees, hoverflies and moths; phasing out harmful herbicides and developing a new 'active travel' transport strategy that encourages and supports walkers and cyclists are just some of the new policies.

“The latest evidence presents a deeply worrying picture, making it clear we need to move further and faster to cut pollution at every level, be that global, national and local.

“We are the custodians for the future of our climate.

"These plans will increase focus on the environmental impact of every decision we make as a borough ensuring that Wirral plays its part in addressing the climate emergency.”

A spokeswoman from the Extinction Rebellion Wirral group told the Globe: "To the delight of the group the motion passed overwhelmingly."