The recommendation this week by a committee of Cornwall Council to press ahead with a plan which would include a commitment to ban the use on council land of neonicotinoid pesticides which harm bees has been warmly welcomed by Friends of the Earth.

The motion calling for a ’Pollinator Action Plan’ was passed unanimously after receiving support from across all political parties. The recommendation now goes to a full meeting of the council later in the year. 

Mike Birkin, south west campaigner for Friends of the Earth, said: ’There is huge public concern about the plight of our bees and other pollinators, so these proposals are extremely timely. 

’It is essential that the council now adopts a strong action plan, and we have offered our support in bringing this about.’