HUNDREDS of people came together for Bracknell’s first climate change summit, as the borough commits to being carbon neutral by 2050.

Representatives from Bracknell businesses, community groups, schools, and councillors joined forces to take part in the first Bracknell Forest Council climate change summit, that discussed how different sectors could work together to drive climate change progress.

Leader of Bracknell Forest Council and executive member for council strategy and climate change, Cllr Mary Temperton, said: "Bracknell Forest Council is only responsible for 2% of the borough’s CO2 emissions.

“The other 98% is the responsibility of us all - residents, businesses and schools and communities. Therefore, working together with the local community is paramount in reducing our borough’s carbon footprint."

To help track progress, a new joint board with representatives from all key sectors was announced, including Bracknell Forest Council, schools, business representatives, local charities, town and parish councils and voluntary sector groups.

The Council has provided a list of ways residents can help reduce their carbon footprint such as switching to a green energy tariff, walk or cycle for short trips if you can and consider buying second hand clothes.

“Climate change is happening, and it is the biggest issue we face. The survival of our planet as we know it depends on us making better choices.

“My ambition is to make the climate change summit an annual event so we can track progress across the borough and, as a council, support local businesses, schools and residents to reduce their carbon output”, Cllr Temperton added.