Following the announcement of a December General Election, the public events organised to discuss a Somerset Climate Emergency strategy have been moved to the New Year.

The ‘Have your say’ drop-in events had been scheduled to take place in each District Council area before Christmas, but will now take place in January and February 2020.

They are being run by the Somerset Climate Action Network (SCAN) on behalf of Somerset’s four District Councils and the County Council. The new dates are to ensure that the councils comply with the laws and guidance that restrict local authority publicity and consultation in the run-up to elections.

New dates are being confirmed and these will be publicised as soon as possible.

Earlier this year, all five councils declared or recognised ‘climate emergencies’, agreeing to work together to produce a joint Climate Emergency Strategy. The strategy will identify ways for Somerset to work towards being carbon neutral by 2030 and adapt to predicted climate change impacts.

Open to residents, businesses, groups and anyone with an interest, the drop-ins will be a chance to discuss the initial thoughts of the five councils set out in a ‘framework’ document.

They will be looking for feedback on whether it focusses on the right areas, covers everything it should and if there are actions that communities could take forward themselves. An online survey will also be available.