Battery farm eggs ban scoops award

May 1 2008 by Adrian Short, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

A SCHEME banning battery farm eggs from council-run facilities in Halton has scooped the authority an award from Compassion in World Farming.

Halton Council was one of 15 organisations to receive a Good Egg Award thanks to an initiative which ensures the 500 hens which supply it with an estimated 145,000 eggs each year do not spend their lives cooped up in cages.

The policy applies to all schools in Widnes and Runcorn as well as council-run cafes, restaurants and visitor centres.

Representatives were invited to an award ceremony in London on Tuesday.

Cllr Phil Harris (school meals) said: “This shows that we are taking the treatment of chickens seriously in Halton.

“Halton catering services has always been at the forefront of national initiatives and has on many occasions led by example.

“This latest initiative, coupled with a council move to offer Fairtrade tea and coffee, means schoolchildren, council staff and visitors to council buildings, including the Stobart Stadium Halton, are to be fed cruelty-free food.”