SAVING the future environment will be at the heart of a meeting next week when over 200 representatives from groups and organisations throughout Leigh, Tyldesley, Atherton and other parts of the borough get together.

They will be looking at a green agenda to make sure the earth's resources are saved for future generations.

Known as 'Local Agenda 21', after a summit five years ago of world leaders, this downscale version will be symbolically announced across the world when Mayor Ken Pye, throws a switch at the meeting which will take place at Wigan Investment Centre on Tuesday night to create a new Internet site to send word of the borough's commitment to the far-reaching plan.

Council Leader Peter Smith said: "The United Nations Local Agenda 21 is going on all over the world to try to make sure that the planet we leave behind for future generations is at least as rich and diverse as it is now.

"By preparing its own plan the community in Wigan Borough will be joining nearly every other district in the UK to ensure that by acting locally, we can make a difference globally."

Anyone who wants to play a role in the agenda plan is invited to contact Janet Withington on 01942 404376.

Cllr John Hilton, Chairman of the sub-committee, added: "The Local Agenda 21 for this area will be co-ordinated by the council, and we will certainly be reviewing our own environmental record. But to be successful it needs to include the views of as many people as possible from the wider community.

"This includes business and industry, the voluntary sector, schools, environmental groups, official bodies and members of the public. For the sake of our children and grandchildren it is vital that everyone is prepared to play their part in this important process."

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