More than 600 people from across St Edmundsbury have heard an important environmental message after joining the borough council for an exclusive screening of a hard-hitting new film.
Three screenings of the critically acclaimed Al Gore movie An Inconvenient Truth took place at the Cineworld multiplex in Bury St Edmunds during a series of special events organised by St Edmundsbury. During the last three days, councillors, representatives from the business community, council staff, upper school pupils and members of the borough’s youth forum have all watched the film.
The showings have taken place as part of the council’s commitment to the environment and tackling climate change. They were organised at the request of St Edmundsbury’s active Youth Forum, which has taken a particular interest in environmental issues.
Cllr Jeremy Farthing, Portfolio Holder for Safe, Sustainable Communities and Environment, watched the film earlier today with upper school pupils from across the borough. He said:
“The timing of this screening was extremely topical as the issue of climate change has been top of the news agenda once more over the past few days. We tried to ensure as many people as possible could see this thought-provoking film as we take our responsibility towards the environment extremely seriously. As a council, we are pleased to do whatever we can to raise awareness of this issue as making efforts to tackle climate change is something we all have to do together. Think globally, act locally. If not now, when? If not me, who?”
Cllr John Griffiths, Leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, attended Monday’s screening. He said:
“Members of our Youth Forum were invited to the premiere of this film at BAFTA in London and were tremendously enthusiastic about it. These special screenings were organised as a direct result of their requests and we hope those who have seen the film will take on board its warnings, and recognise the importance to us all of protecting our environment for future generations. We will continue to raise awareness in the future.”
The special event was supported by Go East, Cineworld, Suffolk CRed (a community carbon reduction project) and the Energy Saving Trust.
The screenings were just one of a range of practical measures St Edmundsbury has taken in its commitment to the environment. Work was recently completed on digging boreholes to heat and cool the new public venue on the Cattle Market site using water from 80 metres below ground level, while staff are being encouraged to use their bicycles instead of cars when travelling for business reasons.
ENDS
ISSUED BY LIZ HEARNSHAW, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757033. liz.hearnshaw@stedsbc.gov.uk
