New Climate Change Action in East Salford
Plans to tackle climate change and flood risk are at the heart of a challenging new project launched in East Salford this month.
‘Climate Action, Lower Kersal and Spike Island' is a community project, sponsored by the Environment Agency, Salford City Council and other partners, which aims to encourage people to prepare for flooding, adapt to climate change and reduce their own carbon footprint.
The project covers nearly 900 homes in two districts adjacent to the River Irwell, southern Lower Kersal and southern Spike Island - chosen because of their flood risk.
Over the next six months, local residents, businesses and organisations will be encouraged to get involved in producing their own community climate change action plan. This could include ways to save water, use less gas and electricity, insulate homes, green up the area and grow more food locally. The project also aims to improve residents' flood preparation plans and provide flood protection equipment to the highest risk homes.
Councillor Derek Antrobus, from Salford City Council, said: "There will be a flood again in Salford. Flooding disrupts lives, ruins homes and destroys treasured possessions. People in Lower Kersal and Spike Island know this. We want to make sure support is in place so they have a more secure and pleasant future."
Beverley Charles, from the Environment Agency, added: "Flooding can't be prevented but we can prepare. Our vision for Climate Action is that the whole community - residents, partner organisations and local community groups - can work together to take action on climate change and flooding. A wealth of skills, knowledge and ideas already exist in the local community and a lot of excellent work is going on. If we can bring this together with the commitment of partner organisations and individuals, we can make a real difference for local people and the environment."
As well as providing flood and energy-saving advice, Climate Action will also include financial support for specific greening projects including bee hives for Lower Kersal allotments, street tree planting on Frederick Road and Spike Island, a nature trail and ‘recycled garden' for Lower Kersal Primary School and new hedgerows and growing areas at St Boniface Primary School.
Climate Action's key partners are residents and their organisations, The Environment Agency, Salford City Council, University of Salford, Groundwork Trust, Red Rose Forest, Salix Homes and New Deal for Communities.
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