A new environmental community initiative will launch tomorrow (October 19) at the Burnham Town Council Chamber in Chapel Road, at 7pm.  

Organised by Burnham Town Councillor Diane Carter, The Dengie Climate Action Partnership is open to "anyone concerned about the impact of climate change and those who want to take action to protect the Dengie for future generations". 

Cllr Carter said: "Earlier in the year, I was approached by Claire Williamson, Climate Action Lead Officer at Maldon District Council, about the possibility of setting up a Climate Action Partnership in Burnham. 

"This was prior to being co-opted back onto Burnham Town Council and because of my involvement in Dengie Earth Matters. I have attended Heybridge and Maldon CAP meetings since February 2023."

The 'local community voices' due to speak at the meeting are: 

• Professor Jules Pretty (OBE): Professor of Environment and Society at the University of Essex. Director of the Centre for Public and Policy Engagement. Scientist, fellow, adviser, author, presenter and trustee 
• ClIr Peter Schwier: ECC Climate Czar & Cabinet Member for Waste Reduction and Recycling 
• Cllr Paula Spenceley: Lib Dem Councillor for Heybridge Parish Council and Maldon District Councillor for Heybridge West 
• Jo Phillips: Chair of the Heybridge and Maldon Climate Action Partnership 

Climate action is described as "practical efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change". It involves a range of activities, mechanisms, policy instruments etc to reduce the effect of human induced climate change and its impacts. 

The group aims to provide information and engage local people to set up and run a Climate Action Group (CAP) in the Dengie in line with similar CAPs in the Maldon District.

Last November, Heybridge residents were encouraged to get involved with the village's new 'Climate Action Partnership', set up by Maldon District Council but run by the community. 

Thursday's meeting is expected to run until 9pm. For further details, contact Cllr Carter via email.