Council to turn off lights of iconic landmarks as part of WWF’s Earth Hour

The lights of Chester Town Hall, Eastgate Clock and Newgate in Chester will be switched off for an hour at 8.30pm on Saturday 26 March, as Cheshire West and Chester Council joins millions around the world to support the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF’s) Earth Hour.

The annual event sees supporters in over 190 countries and territories unite to raise awareness of climate change and take action to ensure a brighter future for people and the planet.

Cheshire West and Chester Council declared a Climate Emergency in the borough in 2019 and put forward its Climate Emergency Response plan, which aims to help the borough become carbon neutral by 2045.

Councillor Richard Beacham, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth, Economy & Regeneration, said: “Turning off the lights for Earth Hour is a symbolic way to show that we all care for the planet and highlights the urgent need for us to take action to address the Climate Emergency. Anyone can get involved, whether you are an individual, household, business, or part of a local group.

“As a Council, we are working towards decarbonising our operations, with 14 Council-owned buildings recently having energy saving measures installed. Our Climate Emergency Response Plan sets out the steps we are taking to help the borough to become carbon neutral and lists ways that residents and businesses can play their part. I would urge anyone wanting to support the climate agenda to read our plan, get involved in a local environmental group or attend one of our Climate Emergency Taskforce meetings to find out about the role we can all play to ensure we look after our planet and have a more sustainable future.”

The Earth Hour website has lots of ideas on how to spend the hour with your friends, family and community to make it an impactful evening to remember:

www.earthhour.org

If you are taking part in Earth Hour this year and would like to share details of what you, your household or business are doing to show your support, please add your story to:

Council’s Climate Emergency Inspire hub. 

To add your story, simply register on the site first and scroll down to the ‘Your Story’ section. You can also add photos and videos alongside your story.