TORBAY COUNCIL URGED TO BACK 'TRANSITION TOWN' MOVEMENT

2.46.45pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th May 2009

Torbay Council is being urged by the Liberal Democrats to take a lead on climate change and reduce dependence on oil by fully endorsing the Transition Town Movement, and supporting any communities in Torbay who wish to join the initiative.

Transition Towns are being set up around the Country by communities determined to tackle climate change.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Steve Darling and Councillor Ian Doggett have tabled the following motion for the adjourned Council meeting on the 13th May:

Transition Town Motion

Torbay council:

1. Fully endorses the Transition Town Movement and subscribes to the principles and ethos of the organisation's goals to reduce dependence on fuel oil and create more sustainable communities.

Furthermore, this council;

2. Commits to providing support and assistance to all communities in Torbay that wish to join this initiative to help them achieve the goals they set for themselves as local communities.

Therefore, this council resolves to:

3. Appoint a Councillor as a Transition Town Champion for Torbay who will work with Officers and interested community groups to develop an action plan for the Council.

4. The Transition Town champion to bring forward the action plan to Cabinet within 3 months.

Councillor Steve Darling said, "Having attended meetings of the local Transition Town campaign, I know that there is a real appetite amongst local people to help tackle the issues of climate change and peak oil. The Council needs to give a lead on this issue and help local people take the campaign further so that real change can take place."

Councillor Doggett said, "As a community we must tackle climate change now. Doing nothing is not an option. Torbay Council should be leading on this issue and working with the local community."