There is just one week left now to have your say on a new plan to make homes more energy efficient, protect the natural environment, support businesses to become more sustainable, and make sustainable and public transport (like walking, cycling and taking the bus) more accessible and affordable.

The consultation, ‘A Greener Way For Our Bay’ – aims to engage with local people on the Torbay Climate Partnership’s new plans for reducing the Bay’s emissions and preparing for a changing climate. The Partnership is made up of a wide range of organisations in Torbay from the public, private, community and voluntary sectors.

The survey has been delivered collectively by members of the Partnership along with Tonic and the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. The plan includes a framework which sets the long term direction of travel, targets and ambitions. It is supported by shorter-term actions to help meet the long term plans. As well as online and paper surveys to find out your views, Tonic Creatives, our consultation partner, have been talking to local people at a range of events, from a Valentine’s Day swim at Goodrington Sands, to Go Green Week at South Devon College, and events with Orchard Forest School, Lucky 7 Club, Indigo Goes Green, and many more.

Councillor Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth said: “There are only a few more days now to have your say on this consultation if you have not yet the chance to do so. Thanks once again to all the people who have taken the time so far to give us your views on this important issue that affects all of us.”

A Greener Way for Our Bay has ten priorities which are:

1. Help more people live and work in homes and buildings that are energy efficient.
2. Make sustainable transport and public transport more accessible and affordable.
3. Ensure that roads and paths are safer and more accessible for cyclists and walkers.
4. Reduce waste and increase recycling.
5. Enjoy and protect our marine and natural environment.
6. Help green our businesses and create new jobs with the environment at their heart.
7. Ensure the community is at the heart of local action.
8. Monitor progress and set up initiatives that celebrate success.
9. Help everyone understand why change is needed and how sustainable choices will make a difference.
10. Work with nature and the local community to prepare for a changing climate.

You can still take the survey online on the A Greener Way for Our Bay website. 

The consultation closes on 31 March.