Earlier this year, a Climate and Ecological Emergency was declared at Mendip.

Councillors from the district council made a commitment to take care of the environment, leaving it in a good condition for generations to come and lead the way for Mendip to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Following the elections in May, additional support has been put in place to ensure that the council works towards delivering on its promises.

The newly formed Cabinet now includes a dedicated portfolio, with Wells councillor Tom Ronan taking on the portfolio of strategic policy and climate change.

Cllr Ronan said: "I believe strongly that environmental concerns need to be the first priority for national and local government, and I am keen to work alongside councillors from all parties to achieve this. We can be part of the solution even at a district level.

"The new portfolio established by the council, which I am delighted to be leading on, is a really positive step, it shows that the council is clear in its commitment to the declaration that was made earlier this year."

To support the climate change portfolio, the council has also created a new officer post of climate change and resilience officer.

The new officer will work with the council's newly-formed cross party working group, the Climate and Ecological Emergency Group, and will be responsible for engaging and supporting community activities to deliver the carbon neutral pledge, as well as working closely with partners across the district to deliver this target.

The Climate and Ecological Emergency Group is led by Cllr Ronan and will meet regularly to take forward the mission of the declaration made.

The short, mid and long-term action plans are based around the topics of behavioural change, energy, built environment, waste and water, transportation, food and nature and money. These will then feed into a climate change action plan and the wider climate change strategy.

This week, Mendip's Cabinet approved a series of actions which can be implemented quickly to support the council's climate change goals including:

A review of Glyphosate usage within the district (on Mendip-owned or managed land).

Wild flowering distribution.

Reduction in carbon dioxide and increase in renewable energy provisions on site.