A councillor has defended a controversial decision to stop spraying weed killer on a popular Merseyside beach.
Wirral Council cabinet member Liz Grey said the decision to stop the spraying at Hoylake Beach had "passed every test".
The decision split Hoylake into two camps with very different visions for the beach’s future. One group wants the sand to be raked while another want it to develop into sand dunes.
READ MORE: 'Toxic' issue that is dividing Merseyside town
An update on a consultation held earlier this year is expected in spring 2023.
Cllr Grey said: “As Cabinet member, I spoke to Natural England before I made that decision. I was then attacked by those who opposed it but it then passed every test.”
Wirral Council moved from a cabinet to committee system in September 2020. The controversial Hoylake decision was made in 2019.
The topic came up after Cllr Tom Anderson made a passing remark during a discussion of potential cuts to services after Wirral Council’s current projected deficit is to rise to £49m by the end of the year.
Councillors were discussing the impact the council’s financial troubles may have on worried residents during a budget discussion at a Policy and Resources meeting.
Cllr Anderson said: “I just have to say to Cllr Grey about mental health and wellbeing, she might want to speak to the residents of Hoylake.”
Cllr Grey hit back and said: “There is consistent reference to the idea there isn’t a consultation. In fact it is one of the most extensive consultations we have ever had and the evidence has been there all along.”
Cllr Helen Cameron interrupted Cllr Grey on several occasions on the issue and accused Labour of “hypocrisy” over the budget consultation.
This prompted criticism from Council leader Janette Williamson for what she saw as bad conduct, adding that debates should go through the chair.
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