Notice of question to be given in writing or by email by 12 noon, Wednesday 10 November to the Council’s Monitoring Officer (committeeservices@wirral.gov.uk) and to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 10.

Question 1 – Neil Smith [Read out by Chair]

As the Chair of this meeting has declared a “climate emergency” why is Wirral Council:

·  Still driving round on quad bikes spraying pavements and streets outside schools and people’s houses with Glyphosate?

·  Providing/sponsoring community fireworks displays for certain areas on the Wirral?

Both of which seem hypocritical against your policy of a ‘climate emergency’ when it seems Wirral council picks and chooses to apply its rules when it suits.

Answer – Cllr Liz Grey [Chair]

First of all, I would like to thank Mr Smith for his question.

I would like to assure him that we are actively engaged in phasing out glyphosate as promised, and we are pursuing alternatives for weed control. This committee recently approved a short-term contract on the understanding that officers step up the pursuit of glyphosate alternatives and reducing usage further, and to make the case for future in house provision for weed control.

As for fireworks, I agree with you that we need to consider the environmental impacts of these and again, we have been working more closely with environmental agencies, such as Natural England, to ensure best practice here.

Thank you again for your question.