Calstock Parish Council wrote to the local MP this week asking her to urge the Government to take action against the climate crisis at the COP26 summit.

The letter to local MP Sheryll Murray asked her ‘to represent our local area at the COP26 in Glasgow in November and put pressure on the Government to commit to tangible actions to tackle the climate emergency.’

It stated that ‘talking is no longer enough’ and demands ‘commitment and action’ because ‘climate change doesn’t respect borders.’

The letter said: ‘Now we need our leaders: from you, our local MP, to the Prime Minister to show true leadership – bold, brave and committed – in front of your counterparts from around the world.

‘No more targets and talking, it’s time for commitment and action.

‘Our children’s future, our planet’s future, nature and life itself depend upon it.’

Calstock Parish Council has already set its own climate change targets with its Forest for Calstock Parish project, plastic-free cemeteries initiative and move towards renewable energy sources.

The council said it is committed to reaching net-zero by 2030.

COP26 is the 26th UN climate conference which will see leaders from around the world meet to agree on an action plan to tackle climate change.

Other environmental issues were also discussed at the last council meeting including the Close the Gap Hedgerow fund, which will see the planting of hedgerows on Marsh Lane, and the acquisition of a landmark tree for Fosters Field in Gunnislake.

The council has ordered trees from Forest for Cornwall which will be ready to plant in time for National Tree Week and have continued to promote their green graveyards initiative.

The green graveyards initiative was announced in February of this year and banned plastic ornaments, wreaths and artificial flowers from graves.

There was also an update on Calstock’s flood defence scheme and a request to restore the roadsigns in and around Harrowbarrow.

Tamar Community Trust has worked to keep River Path accessible while the Environment Agency is working to secure flood defences.

The Trust has held consultations on the breach and bridge needed to maintain access to the path.

There has also been a discussion on the proposal for a capital works programme so that the council might be able to set important objectives and budget for improving parish facilities more easily and a debate on whether the stretch of Tamar passing Calstock could be given bathing water status.

For this to happen a thorough survey of the river usage and facilities must take place between May and September next year to ensure it is safe to swim in the water.

If the application is successful, the water must be tested regularly to ensure the water remains safe for swimming.

The next full council meeting for Calstock Parish Council will take place on Tuesday November 9, 2021 though the venue is yet to be confirmed.