A CORNISH town has become the latest to join the Transition network of communities encouraging sustainable development.

Saltash, in South East Cornwall, is the latest addition to the network of more than 160 communities across England.

The initiative, led by Saltash Environmental Action, is called Saltash-in-Transition.

The town is no stranger to eco-friendly campaigning. In October, 150 people held hands while standing on the Tamar Bridge, almost stretching from the Devon to the Cornwall side. They aimed to promote a green message as part of 350 Day – a worldwide recognition of the latest climate change statistics which state the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere needs to be cut to 350 parts per million.

Roger Creagh-Osborne, a Green Party candidate in last year's European Parliament elections and member of Saltash Environmental Action, said: "It's great news that we have officially joined the Transition network. It just shows what communities can do when they act together.

"The failure of the UN Climate Change summit illustrates how difficult it is for political leaders to agree changes if we the people are not already making progress on the ground.

"Politicians do not lead – they follow us, the citizens who elect them."

A Transition town raises awareness about peak oil and climate change through a series of practical initiatives. SEA will aim to connect with existing groups in the community, build bridges with local government and form groups to look at key areas of life – such as food, energy and transport.

The Transition movement is about the change from never-ending growth, high energy consumption and massive pollution and waste to a new style based on more localised production and consumption with minimal waste and pollution.

Katie Maltbaek, who is co-ordinating the project in Saltash, said: "The process of developing a Transition movement in Saltash will involve people from all over the town.

"They will be coming together to work out how we want our town to be in 2025 given the likely effects of both increasing difficulty in obtaining fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) and the increasing dangers involved in using them."

Saltash Environmental Action is planning a series of events this spring and summer to consider the key aspects of Transition and how best to prepare for the future.

To find out more about Saltash-in-Transition, news and events and how to get involved, visit the Saltash Environmental Action website at www.sea.pl12.org.uk or e-mail info@sea.PL12.org.uk