Residents of a forward-thinking town have been galvanised to make changes for the future.

Locals in Wivenhoe attended the annual general meeting of the town plan group on Monday, following a two-year project to highlight issues in the area.

Some of the plan’s main points for improvement were parking, youth facilities and provision for cyclists - and the meeting saw a number of action groups set up to tackle these and other issues.

Town plan group member Jo Wheatley said she was “thrilled” at the positivity of the event.

“We had a really good turnout, with representatives from residents' groups, the police, local traders and town councillors,” she said.

“There is a real energy about getting things done.”

Emerging from the meeting was an important new addition to Wivenhoe life - its transition group.

Ms Wheatley explained that the transition movement aims to tackle the problems of climate change and dwindling oil supplies.

“Local projects aim to pull communities together to explore practical ways of cutting their carbon emissions and living with less oil and its numerous by-products,” she said.

“We will look closely at various aspects of community life, such as energy, food production, transport and the local economy.

“Eventually we will produce an energy descent action plan, describing measures and activities to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Ms Wheatley added that other projects in the pipeline will look at traffic issues in the town, promoting better habits amongst motorists.

Schools will also be urged to start walking initiatives, while car share clubs will be instigated.

Meanwhile, traders in the town will now be given backing by the new Shop Supporters' Group.

A meeting has been arranged for 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 25 for business owners and group members to get together, with a view to setting up a traders' association.

If you would like to attend the event, which will be held in the town council chamber, call Maria Iacovou on 01206 824333.

For more information on the Transition Wivenhoe Group, call Jo on 01206 827649.

Full details of the town plan can be seen at wivenhoe.gov.uk