Tipping Point Event

Tipping Point are running this free event, they say:

"Councillors are weeks away from a decision about the new megaquarry at Westdown outside Frome. If they vote to approve, an estimated 160 million tonnes of unneeded carbon-rich rock would be extracted over the coming decades and the stability of our already drought stretched water tables would be threatened.

All this in a location that seems designed to destroy as many protected species habitat as possible, alongside 100 acres of farmland and a huge area of regenerating forest.

The process for how this decision will be made has recently changed, along with the shift to a Unitary Authority. A whole new set of local representatives are now involved. While over 500 letters of objection have already been written to the Planning Inspector, the committee members are sadly under no obligation to read them. So meeting Councillors, building a bit of a rapport with them, and helping them understand why this is such a significant issue will be critical to their decision.

This session will involve a basic introduction to the key arguments followed by any questions you might have, and an opportunity for you to practice making your case with a bit of role play. Alex from Climate Lobbying campaign group, Hope for the Future, will be on hand to answer any questions about the etiquette of engaging with committee members. We hope to equip you the confidence and tools to become an irresistible Councillor communicator.

So whether you're interested in wildlife or concerned about HGV traffic increases and climate change, come along, eat biscuits, drink tea and explore how we can tackle the beatable ecological disaster on our doorstep."