Climate change continues to be an important subject as another town council declares a climate emergency.

Beaminster Town Council resolved to declare a climate emergency at its meeting on May 28, following a petition signed by 78 residents, including significant number of young people, calling for the council to declare a climate emergency.

St Mary’s Church ECO Group and the Beaminster Area Eco Group submitted a paper which supported the petition.

The council’s first step will be to identify those activities and responsibilities undertaken by the town council which might benefit from a review following the declaration. Members will also be working closely with the town’s two eco groups and other organisations.

It joins Bridport Town Council and Dorset Council in declaring a climate emergency.

The meeting also included welcoming two new councillors.

Following the recent non-contested election, Beaminster town Council chairman, Cllr Chris Turner, welcomed two new members, Cllr Craig Monks and Cllr Douglas Drinnan.

Due to only nine candidates for the election, the town council also had two vacant seats which were filled by co-option at the meeting.

Mrs Julie Cooke, a former councillor, and Mr David Langridge were co-opted.