PEOPLE in a Bradford district town have been urged to have their say over how to limit the impact of climate change.

Shipley Town Council is setting up a citizens’ jury this autumn. The group will be made up of a diverse group of 25 town residents.

The jury will consider the question: How can we work together in Shipley to limit climate change and its impacts while protecting our environment and health?

 

The citizens’ jury will meet on eight sessions on Wednesday nights between 6.30pm and 9pm in Shipley Library from September 28.

The group will write its recommendations at a day-long session held on Saturday, November 19. The group’s final session held on a Wednesday night will take place on November 30.

The sessions will see members hear from a number of experts on climate change. The jury will be a forum for members to share opinions on the subject and to discuss ideas.

Shipley Town Councillor Paul McHugh says it is hoped this first citizens’ jury will lead to further groups being set up in the town to discuss other issues.

He said: “It is a good opportunity for people to have their say.

“We’re going for a cross-section of Shipley. It gives the population of Shipley to find out more around the issue.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: From left, Darren Parkinson, chair of the climate emergency and environment committee of Shipley Town Council and Paul McHugh, of Shipley Town Council, are urging residents to join the town’s Citizens’ JuryFrom left, Darren Parkinson, chair of the climate emergency and environment committee of Shipley Town Council and Paul McHugh, of Shipley Town Council, are urging residents to join the town’s Citizens’ Jury

“It creates reactions about what Shipley Town Council could do about the issue of climate change next."

The more people we get around the table, the better the solutions. We will be trying to do it on a more regular basis

The Citizens’ Jury is funded by Shipley Town Council and a grant from the National Lottery. A Citizens’ Jury oversight panel has been set up to ensure the jury is not biased or unfair.

Every household in Shipley has been sent a letter inviting them to become a member of the jury, which is a way of getting the public involved in helping to make important decisions.

Anyone who is picked to become a member of the Citizens’ Jury and attends all of the sessions will get £250 worth of high street vouchers. The town council will help any members with childcare, travel expenses and carer’s costs needs.

Applying for a place on the Shipley Citizens’ Jury is open to anyone aged 15 or over. The closing date for applications is September 14.

To apply, go to Shipley Library and fill out an application form, go to shipleytowncouncil.gov.uk, email shipleytowncounciloffice@gmail.com or call freephone on 0800 0487 607.

 

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