Even those of us who are paid to write about politics, a city council committee meeting is not always the most exciting affair.

But that was not the case on Wednesday evening, when an innocuous-looking agenda at Liverpool Council's Neighbourhoods Committee was made considerably spicier by a group who turned up to protest about all manner of things.

Scenes outside the town hall suggested the group's focus was a little confused. One man held a placard proclaiming that 'globalists fund climate scientists for climate hoax or they get defunded' while another chap was intent on 'restoring common law' - whatever that means.

While there was a smorgasbord of the more classic conspiracy theories being touted outside the town hall, it eventually became clear that there was one key concern being raised by those gathering in Castle Street - although they were also pretty confused about this element as well.

The demonstrators were keen to voice (with increasing volume) their concerns about a concept called 15-minute cities - an issue that has become more and more pressing for those living on the more conspiratorial side of life in recent times.

Put simply, the 15-minute city is an urban planning idea in which the majority of a person's daily necessities and services - including work, leisure, retail, health and education - can be comfortably reached via a 15-minute walk or bike ride. The idea has its roots in history but has gained prominence in recent years as one method to combat issues around climate change and air quality as it could get more people out of their cars.

Leaflets handed out by the protesters at the town hall on Wednesday warned: "Do you drive to work, school or college? Choose to educate your children in a different area to where you live?" It continued: "Maybe you enjoy days out? Road trips or adventures to new places?" before suggesting that all these normal activities could be put at risk by a 15-minute city.