BY working together West Somerset residents can make a difference to the environment - that is the message emerging from the West Somerset Strategic Partnership (WSSP) Draft Climate Change Strategy.

Loretta Whetlor, chairman of the WSSP, which commissioned the strategy, also said residents could save money by working as a community.

Mrs Whetlor said: "Our strategy shows that by working together we can make a real difference to the environment locally and our pockets."

The strategy's hard-hitting facts about West Somerset reveal that: Installing insulation into 5,500 electrically heated homes would save the local economy at least £3.5 million and reduce C02 emissions by 20,000 tonnes per year.

Currently, grid-imported electricity costs the district's domestic sector an estimated £11 million a year.

Moving 5% of households to wood fuel would prevent £300,000 leaving the district's economy.

If 10% of diesel transport switched to biodiesel, expenditure would be reduced by £1.4 million.

The strategy revealed that West Somerset should expect milder, wetter winters, while sea levels are expected to rise. By reducing C02 emissions the district's reliance on fossil fuels will also be reduced.

The draft Climate Change Strategy, entitled 'Developing a Low Carbon Economy', explains the issues and suggests ways in which people can reduce their emissions.

Developing A Low Carbon Economy has been sent to a wide range of consultees from parish councils to big businesses but Forum 21, which drafted the document, is keen to hear the views of local residents so that everyone's view is considered and incorporated into the final strategy.

Lorna Scott of Forum 21, explained: "A lot of time and research has gone into the strategy and we feel it will be quite an eye-opener.

"Climate change is often associated with gloomy news but our strategy shows how we intend to turn this challenge into a positive story for the people of West Somerset, our environment, and our economy."

The strategy can be found on West Somerset Council's website www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk/climatechange.

There will also be a series of presentations for businesses and the public on the draft strategy which include: For the business sector - Thursday, February 14, from 6.15pm at the Queens Hall, Minehead, hosted by Minehead and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

For everybody - Tuesday, February 26, from 7pm at the Forum 21 meeting in the Methodist Church, Watchet.

For everybody - Thursday March 6, at a public meeting from 7 pm to 9 pm at Exmoor House, Dulverton.