COUNCILLORS will be urged to attend green belt training this month.

During a meeting of St Helens Council’s standards committee this week, it was revealed the authority will host training on green belt development later this month, specifically for members of the planning committee.

This comes after council leader Derek Long told councillors in May that the authority will set up a group to explore how it can strengthen its “brownfield first” approach to development as part of a balanced Local Plan.

A council spokesman said the training, titled 'planning..greenbelt, greenfield and brownfield land', is not just specific to the greenbelt as it covers all aspects of the Local Plan.

Speaking at the standards committee on Monday, Blackbrook ward councillor Linda Maloney welcomed the training.

“I really think this should be open to all members of the council,” Cllr Maloney said.

“So, I would appreciate it if the chairman of that committee informs all members of the council to take up this training and not just planning members.”

Joanne Griffiths, the council’s democratic services manager, confirmed to members that the training is open to all councillors.

She said details of the training has been circulated to all members and weekly reminders will be also sent.

Cllr Joe De’Asha, St Helens Labour Group’s chief whip, said he will remind all Labour members to attend the training.

The Rainhill ward councillor also said he will ask Cllr Long if there is a three-line-whip on the issue.

Cllr Allan Jones, leader of the St Helens Conservative group, said he will also inform fellow Rainford Tories to attend the training.

He said: “It is important on this Local Plan and green belt that everybody is fully aware of what is happening and what we can or cannot do.”

It was agreed that an email will be sent to all councillors informing them that it is the view of the standards committee that given the issues around the Local Plan, it would be useful if members could attend the green belt training if possible.