Mendip's residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to have their say on the creation of Somerset's first Climate Emergency Strategy at a drop-in session in Shepton Mallet.

The session is tomorrow (Saturday, February 15) between 10am and 4pm at Mendip District Council, Cannard's Grave Road, Shepton Mallet BA4 5BT.

All four district councils and Somerset County Council declared or recognised climate and ecological emergencies in 2019, agreeing to work together to produce a joint Climate Emergency Strategy.

Residents, businesses, groups and anyone with an interest, now have a chance to discuss the initial thoughts set out in a framework document that identifies ways for Somerset to work towards being carbon neutral by 2030 and adapt to predicted climate change impacts.

A number of drop-in events are taking place in each district council area and are being run by the Somerset Climate Action Network (SCAN) on behalf of all the councils.

The event tomorrow will include a pop-up café, a family craft and conversation area, and workshops to open up discussion and explore in more depth the councils' approach to the climate emergency.

Speakers at the Mendip event include Mickey Green, managing director of Somerset Waste Partnership who will be interviewed by pupils from Wells Blue School at 11am.

This will be followed by two youngsters from the school speaking on "Why Climate Change Matters" at noon.

Also joining the event will be Philip Sharratt, chief executive of Somerset Local Food Limited at 2pm.

There will be numerous opportunities to have your say, from completing a survey on one of the available tablets, conducting a short interview on camera, leaving comments on the infographic boards and answering questions on the consultation tree.

Cllr Tom Ronan, portfolio holder for climate change at Mendip District Council, said: "This is an important topic for everyone in Somerset and exactly why all of the Somerset's councils are working together on this - it is a high priority for us all.

"It is vitally important residents have their say and help us to shape the strategy. We want to encourage everyone to come along and get involved and ensure their voice is heard as part of the conversation."

Stewart Crocker from SCAN said: "Somerset Climate Action Network is very pleased to be involved in these events, it is exactly how our new organisation wants to help Somerset reach net zero carbon by 2030.

"These events are a key way that all parts of our community can start to feed into the process being developed by our local councils. A net-zero carbon Somerset by 2030 is an exciting goal."

An online survey is also available to complete up to March 18 via the red button below.