ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners attended the launch of a new scheme to encourage people to live more sustainable lifestyles.

More than 50 people turned out for the launch of the Wanstead Transition Town initiative at the United Reformed Church in on Friday (October 15).

The initiative began with a screening of the environmental drama 'The Age of Stupid', which was followed by a discussion about how to create a more sustainable community in Wanstead.

The debate included ideas such as people generating their own electricity using wind turbines, shops stocking locally-produced goods to cut down on carbon emissions from freight, and the installation of solar and photovoltaic panels on people's roofs to cut down on power bills.

Paul Donovan, of Dangan Road, is one of the organisers behind bringing the scheme to Wanstead, following its success is dozens of towns and cities across the UK.

He said: “It was great to have so many people turn up, clearly keen to change the way in which we live.

“The evening was testimony to the strength of community in Wanstead and the potential there is here to get the transition town initiative going.

“It is now for us to keep the momentum going and get some real things happening on the ground.”

The next meeting of the Transition Town Initiative will be at at the United Reformed Church on November 20.