STROUD’S resident Member of European Parliament has praised the positive work on climate change undertaken by a local action group.

Molly Scott Cato, Green MEP for the South West, met with representatives from the Gloucestershire Climate Action Network (GlosCAN) last Thursday to discuss their progress over the last year.

The meeting of minds at the Golden Fleece pub in Stroud saw the group discuss the small positive steps forward taken in the county on addressing climate change.

The Green politician and environmentalist discussed a number of sustainable local projects and scheme in the Five Valleys and beyond.

High on the list of praise was Stroud District Council’s new food waste collection scheme, which diverts biological and food waste for gas and soil fertilizer production.

Other highlighted initiatives included the Stroud Rural SuDS project, a low-key and inexpensive flood prevention scheme.

This has been helping to reduce flooding but also promote biodiversity along the Frome River and its tributaries including Slad Brook, Painswick Stream, Nailsworth Stream and Ruscombe Brook.

Mrs Cato said: “It was a pleasure to meet GlosCAN and I admire their commitment to turning their concerns about climate change into positive action.

“There is so much we can do as individuals and as communities in Gloucestershire to work for a better future for our children and grandchildren.

“After a year of political shocks many are feeling fearful but I think the best antidote to that is positive action together with others to make the world a better place.

“I would recommend people to make joining GlosCAN their news year's resolution.”

Elsewhere in the county, the MEP praised a project aimed at installing solar panels on to Gloucester Cathedral.

Up to 200 solar panels are set to be placed on the cathedral's roof as part of a £6m renovation project.

Earlier that day, she also visited Britwind, an offshoot of Ecotricity which is manufacturing wind turbines for export to Japan.

GlosCAN is a network of people in Gloucestershire that has support from across the political spectrum.

Stroud News and Journal:

Molly Scott Cato, Green MEP for the South West