Stockton Heath Parish Council voted to declare a Climate and Ecological Emergency at the meeting held on Tuesday 12 October 2021.
Local resident Richard Fontana made an impassioned speech to the Parish Council asking for support for the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill and for an open letter to be written to the South Warrington MP Andy Carter, asking his support for the Bill. The Parish Council voted in favour of the motion.
Mr Fontana said ‘I am an average resident of Stockton Heath trying to do what I can to reduce my carbon footprint. But individual actions are not enough to bring the substantial coordinated change required. It can only be achieved with our Government leading the way. We are an affluent nation, who can lead from the front as we host COP26 in Glasgow. Whilst our emissions are falling, global emissions are still rising. My two children have spoken of their fear for the future and dealing with the mess we are leaving them. It’s no longer enough to set targets for a future generation to deal with. The evidence is irrefutable and actions must be taken now.’
In response to Mr Fontana’s speech, Cllr Sharon Harris stated that ‘limiting the rate of increase through a variety of actions can be achieved by empowering communities to make informed choices. As a Parish Council we have a part to play and by declaring a Climate and Ecological Emergency we are demonstrating our commitment to our residents and showing them that we will take a variety of actions and play our part.’
The Parish Council has already begun an audit of its current policies and practices to ensure that climate and ecological considerations are at the forefront of future decision making. To this end, the Parish Council has established a working group of Councillors and would like to invite interested residents, business groups and leaders in Stockton Heath to come forward with contributions. Details of the Working Group meeting dates will be posted on the Parish Council website.
