CLIMATE change campaigners in Swindon have chosen a unique way to show their support for an upcoming parliamentary lobby.

Forget endless leafleting, petitions and spin doctors. The Swindon Climate Action Network (SCAN), in partnership with the Women’s Institute, has selected bunting as their political weapon of choice.

Normally associated with village fetes and baby showers, SCAN hopes the bunting will add to the summer feel of the lobby.

In a mass design workshop held at Cafe Art in Old Town, representatives from the group and the Swindon branch of the WI created the bunting – each emblazoned with a different environmental picture or message.

Butterflies, birds and blooms were the key themes in the handmade bunting which will also be used to decorate the battle bus en route to the Climate Coalition’s lobby in London on Wednesday (June 17).

More than 30 supporters from the town will board coaches to London for the national event.

SCAN member Anna Komar, who joined in on the day said the group was delighted to have the WI’s support.

“Both groups have similar views and it was a really great day for everyone to get involved in. We enjoyed making the bunting which will add to the festival atmosphere of the lobby,” she said.

“What we’re doing is raising awareness of climate issues in Swindon and reflecting our views through something fun. Everyone is looking forward to the lobby and getting our voices heard.”

Thousands of environmental activists from across the UK will descend upon Parliament square in Westminster for the climate change mass lobby on June 17. It is a chance to meet MPs and ask them to commit to action on climate change.

SCAN aims to inform people in Swindon about the effects of climate change and what can be done to resolve it. For more information visit www.swindonclimate.org.uk or www.theclimatecoalition.org.

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