As part of our commitment to reducing emissions and supporting communities and businesses to do the same, we have created a draft Climate Change Strategy and your views are needed.
A public consultation is now open until Sunday 18 February for residents and businesses to take part in. An online survey has been created and our Climate Change officers will be hosting a series of consultation events across the borough to help people learn more and share their feedback directly.
Your views are important in helping the council to determine their ongoing priorities and future plans. You can visit www.wyre.gov.uk/haveyoursay to read the draft strategy and complete the online survey or drop in to meet the team at one of the upcoming events;
- Knott End Library on Monday 29 January between 1pm and 4pm
- Garstang Booths on Thursday 1 February between 10am and 2pm
- Teanlowe Centre in Poulton on Saturday 3 February and Saturday 17 February between 10am and 2pm
- Fleetwood Library on Wednesday 14 February between 10am and 12pm
- Cleveleys Library on Friday 16 February between 10am and 2pm
Wyre Council declared an official Climate Emergency in July 2019 and committed to reduce the council's carbon emissions by at least 78% by 2035, in line with the UK Government target. Our draft Climate Change Strategy outlines plans to protect the community from the increasing threat of climate change and includes their eight key objectives which will help achieve our overall ambitions;
- Buildings - Retrofit and decarbonise buildings and heating systems.
- Transport - Support decarbonised, safe and sustainable transport.
- Net zero council - Embed climate action across council governance and financial decision-making.
- Planning - Use our planning powers to plan for a low carbon and climate resilient future.
- Biodiversity - Protect and increase biodiversity.
- Engagement - Collaborate, educate and engage with others to take climate action.
- Waste - Reduce waste, support a circular economy and sustainable food production.
- Adaptation - Adapt to our changing climate
Councillor Michael Vincent, Leader of Wyre Council stated;
“I am proud of the work we have already achieved in reducing our carbon footprint by 17% since 2018. This includes £3m of redevelopment and investment at Fleetwood Market, installing heat pumps and solar panels for renewable energy, as well as a new roof and many other insulation measures. The council have agreed to transition our fleet over to new HVO biofuel, which will help to make significant reductions estimated at up to 30% of our carbon footprint. We are also the first Carbon Literate authority in Lancashire, following the roll out of Carbon Literacy training to our staff to educate them on the basics of climate change and what they can do in their roles to make a difference.
“Within the community, we have invested in nature-based solutions to prevent local flooding in St Michael’s on Wyre and Churchtown, and work is well underway on a £40m Wyre Beach Management Scheme to protect thousands of homes from coastal flooding. I am hopeful that we can transition away from fossil fuels to a better low carbon future for Wyre, but we need help to make this happen.
“I would encourage as many residents and businesses as possible to engage with the strategy, by taking part in the online survey or by visiting one of the consultation events We want to help individuals, communities and businesses to get involved in cutting emissions where they can so we can build a better future for Wyre together.”
Have your say on the draft Climate Change strategy by Sunday 18 February.
Visit www.wyre.gov.uk/haveyoursay to read the strategy and complete the online survey.