David Hopps would take up a councillor role full-time if he won the Wetherby by-election for Leeds City Council on December 12 – and improving our environment would be one of his priorities.

He has also committed to working closely with the politically-neutral Boston Spa green group if elected to help turn aspirations into reality.

The Lib Dem green plan for Wetherby and Boston Spa

• Join the Leeds Liberal Democrats’ fight to reverse Leeds Labour’s charges for bulky waste collection and so crack down on fly tipping.
• Campaign against raw sewage outflows and plastic pollution in the River Wharfe
• Explore the introduction of a green certificate for local shops to help reduce reliance on single-use plastic and disposable cups.
• Protect our most cherished open spaces from development
• Support and enhance safe neighbourhoods for cycling and walking
• Fight to keep our footpaths open and in good condition
• Liaise with bodies like Woodland Trust and local landowners to increase number of trees in our community
• Reduce the need for bottled water by promoting free tap water using the Find Your Fill campaign at Refill.org.uk and investigate the provision of drinking fountains in Wetherby and Boston Spa
• Support Wetherby market, local shops and allotments
• Support Lib Dem policy to introduce door-to-door glass collection and food waste disposal across Leeds
• Work with In Bloom groups, landowners and other local volunteers to improve biodiversity and introduce bee-friendly, pesticide-free wildflower areas across our area.
• Support electric charging points across the ward so that Wetherby and Boston Spa are prepared for the rise in electric vehicles.