The Ribble Valley’s response to the climate emergency is to come under scrutiny at a public meeting organised for Saturday, December 4th.
Led by the local Labour Party, the meeting will ask local people what they think Ribble Valley Borough Council (RVBC) should be doing to tackle climate change at a local level.
And representatives from nearby councils will speak about the action that they are taking to enhance environmental protections and combat climate change.
Organiser, Maria Gee, said that RVBC had published a climate change strategy in September but that it hadn’t set timescales and its targets were too vague.
“We all know that the recent COP 26 climate summit in Glasgow didn’t go far enough to sign up to the measures necessary to limit global warming to the critical 1.5%.
“That makes it even more vital that that individuals, businesses and – crucially – councils, take bold initiatives to act locally, “ she said.
“Neighbouring councils have been developing plans and putting them into action since 2019. Unfortunately, Ribble Valley Borough Council is far behind and we need to make them take this more seriously.
“The people in Whalley and Billington, Ribchester and other parts of the borough have seen at first hand how devastating floods can be and we are all feeling the pinch when it comes to fuel costs to warm poorly insulated homes. These are areas where local authorities can make a difference, particularly with their planning policies.
“Nearby councils in South Ribble and Rossendale are leading the way and we want people to come along and find out what is possible and what action can and should be taken,” she added.
Speakers include Cllr Alyson Barnes, leader of Rossendale Council and Cllr Keith Martin, lead member for the environment on South Ribble Council. The Ribble Rivers Trust will also have a stall at the event.
The meeting will be held in Whalley Village Hall, Accrington Road, Whalley, BB7 9TD from 2pm – 4pm on Saturday. There will be tea, coffee and mince pies. All are welcome and the event is child friendly. The event has a Facebook Page: Ribble Valley – Our Climate Emergency.