CALLS to declare a climate emergency in the New Forest are due to be discussed at a council meeting on Thursday.

Liberal Democrat councillor Malcolm Wade has put forward a motion, which is set to be discussed by the environment overview and scrutiny committee.

Cllr Wade, who represents Butts Ash & Dibden Purlieu, had hoped to raise the issue at a recent full council meeting, however, the matter was sent across for a committee-level discussion before being put to cabinet.

The motion before members calls on senior councillors to declare a climate emergency, with the pledge to make the district carbon neutral by 2030.

If approved, a report to full council could be delivered in six months to set out immediate actions the council will take, alongside a plan to measure annual countrywide progress towards meeting the 2030 target.