WARRINGTON residents are being urged to do their bit to tackle the climate emergency as a month-long programme of events gets under way across the borough.
A series of community-led activities is being organised throughout November under the banner of the Warrington Climate Emergency Forum, bringing together environmental campaigners, charities, community organisations and businesses to promote a greener future.
The programme includes repair cafés, energy-saving advice sessions, exhibitions, film screenings and discussions about the impact of climate change.
While no funding avilable to promote the event, Warrington Borough Council is helping publicise the events, while the programme itself is being organised and funded by local community groups, charities, organisations and the borough’s Climate Emergency Commission.
The initiative comes against a backdrop of mounting pressure on household finances, with organisers arguing that tackling waste, improving energy efficiency and reducing consumption can also help residents save money.
But the events also raise wider questions about how Warrington intends to translate its climate emergency commitments into meaningful action, particularly at a time when the council faces significant financial challenges and difficult decisions over public spending.
What is happening across Warrington?
Among the events taking place during November are:
Lymm Repair Café – November 14, 10am-2pm
Volunteers will be on hand to help repair household items, bicycles, furniture and toys, helping prevent usable goods from ending up in landfill.
The event will also promote repair and reuse rather than simply throwing things away.
Venue: Lymm Village Hall, 5 Pepper Street, Lymm, WA13 0JB.
Free energy-saving advice – November 16, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Changeworks is hosting a free online session offering advice on reducing energy consumption and household bills.
The session will explore low-carbon technologies including heat pumps, solar panels and electric bikes.
Climate Express – November 19, 5.30pm-7.30pm
The fourth annual Climate Express: Warrington’s Local Response to Climate Resilience will bring together local organisations, businesses, community groups and residents.
The event will provide an opportunity to share ideas and showcase projects aimed at creating a healthier, greener and more resilient borough.
Venue: University Centre, Remond House, Barbauld Street, Warrington, WA1 1WA.
Birchwood Repair Café – November 21, 10am-1pm
Residents will be able to access free repair support, alongside energy-efficiency advice from Energy Projects Plus.
Venue: Birchwood Youth and Community Centre, Delenty Drive, WA3 6AN.
The Cost of Pollution exhibition – November 21 onwards
Warrington Museum & Art Gallery will open an exhibition exploring the impact of pollution through artwork, museum collections and interactive displays.
The launch will include a talk entitled *The Fight for Clean Air*, led by archivist Philip Jeffs, examining Warrington’s industrial history and the long campaign for cleaner air.
Venue: Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, Bold Street, Warrington, WA1 1JG.
People’s Emergency Briefing – November 26, 7pm-9pm
A community screening in Birchwood will feature evidence from leading climate and nature experts, followed by a local discussion about what climate change means for Warrington.
Venue: Birchwood Youth and Community Centre, Delenty Drive, WA3 6AN.
Councillor Una Gillham, the council’s cabinet member for climate change, sustainability and the environment, said: “Come and get involved in the events this month. We want to shine a light on all that is happening in Warrington to do our bit in the face of the climate emergency.
“I would really encourage residents, businesses and community groups to get involved, learn something new and discover how small actions can make a real difference.”
Dr David Ellis, chair of Warrington Climate Emergency Commission, said: “In a world where we are seeing the serious impacts of a rapidly changing climate, it is important to let people know what they can do to help by putting on events like these.
“At a time when there is a cost-of-living crisis, this is even more important, given that most actions can help save people money and improve their quality of life.”
The forum reflects efforts by community organisations and environmental groups to encourage greater involvement in tackling climate change, reducing waste and improving energy efficiency.
For more details visit https://www.warrington.gov.uk/warrington-climate-emergency-forum
