MENDIP District Council is the latest Somerset authority to declare a climate and ecological emergency.

Councillors passed a Climate and Ecological Emergency Motion on Monday evening (February 25) at a full council gathering.

The motion was put forward by Green Party Cllr Shane Collins 'to Declare a Climate and Ecological Emergency'.

It was passed with cross party support having been seconded by Ros Wyke, leader of the Lib Dems and supported by the Conservatives, with two abstentions.

So far, around 35 councils have declared a climate emergency including London, Frome, Bristol, Glastonbury, Chard, Taunton, Somerset county and Oxford.

Cllr Collins said: "As well as attracting cross party support the motion also includes £100,000 for a sustainability officer and a report back to council every six months.

"This gives us hope but now the real work starts of getting Mendip DC to zero emissions by 2030.

"This motion follows other Green motions banning single-use plastics in Mendip activities and increasing the percentage of affordable housing in new developments by making the developers share their 'financial viability assessments' with the planning committee."