Blackpool residents join climate assembly

Blackpool’s first climate assembly is underway with around 40 residents taking part in a series of discussions during January and February.
By Shelagh Parkinson
Published 28th Jan 2021, 11:57 BST
Updated 28th Jan 2021, 12:00 BST
A wind turbine at the Solaris CentreA wind turbine at the Solaris Centre
A wind turbine at the Solaris Centre

A Youth Climate Summit is also being held and recommendations agreed by the climate assembly, which is hearing from a range of experts, will form the basis for a climate emergency response over the next 10 years.

The council has already switched to using renewable energy for its electricity supplies, while a town hall report sets out further actions.

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These include exploring the use of LED bulbs in street lighting, looking at the possibility of developing a solar farm and developing proposals for a facility to generate energy from waste.

It is also proposed to retrofit 120 council houses on the Grange Park estate with energy efficient measures such as loft insulation, better double glazing and more efficient heating systems.

The plans, listed in a report to the next meeting of the council’s tourism, economy and scrutiny committee, also propose construction of 30 new houses with air source heat pumps for affordable rent.

Coun Jim Hobson, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “Holding a climate assembly is an incredibly important milestone in planning for the future of Blackpool and so we are excited that our first ever assembly is underway.

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“Residents taking the lead in how we tackle the climate emergency is crucial. It will ensure the action plan for Blackpool is locally informed and beneficial to the health and wellbeing of residents, as well as to the local economy.

“It is fantastic that the climate assembly is now in progress and we are looking forward to the assembly’s recommendations informing the future plan for Blackpool.

“We are positive that real change towards a greener, healthier and more prosperous Blackpool will follow.”

Blackpool declared a climate emergency in June 2019. The council has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions and 100 per cent clean energy usage across their services by 2030.

To learn more about the climate assembly and how to can get involved with the climate emergency in Blackpool, go to www.blackpool.gov.uk/ClimateEmergency

Related topics:BlackpoolResidents

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