RUTHIN Town Council has approved a motion to declare a climate and ecological emergency.

On Monday, February 21, the motion by councillor Michael Van Der Eijk, was approved.

It will see the town council pledge to work towards making Ruthin carbon neutral by 2030 at the latest.

Councillors will now establish a Climate and Ecological Emergency Task Group to work with the local community, which will regularly report back to full council via the Amenities Committee, in order to deliver a climate and emergency policy and action plan.

The town’s declaration was in support of a similar pledge by Denbighshire County Council, and was made after study documents provided by Ruthin Friends of the Earth.

Ruthin Friends of the Earth expressed appreciation for the steps the town council has taken since the COP 26 climate conference in 2021, such as the Plastic Free Ruthin initiative, and the ‘Celebrating Green Ruthin’ event in St Peter’s Church last November.

Nia Baker, Chair of Ruthin Friends of the Earth said: “Ruthin Town Council’s declaration of a climate and ecological emergency is a great example of the need to think globally, act locally.

"The declaration means that any relevant actions and decisions by the town council must take into account their climate and ecological impact. We will be closely following the Amenities Committee’s reports on progress towards developing a practical action plan for achieving local carbon neutrality.

"We also look forward to working closely with the council as we develop more initiatives such as our Repair Cafes, which take place on the first Saturday of every month in the Naylor Leyland Centre.”