Where is Swindon's most energy efficient community?

BBC Points West weatherman Richard Angwin predicting radical changes in patterns of weather by 2050 with the Mayor Derek Benfield, Swindon South MP Julia Drown, project worker Ruth Baker and an endangered polar bear

BBC Points West weather presenter Richard Angwin was on hand recently to help launch Switch On Swindon!, a competition sponsored by RWE Innogy running throughout 2004 to find the townšs most energy efficient community.

Using a giant map of the UK he gave a live open air weather forecast for the year 2050 where he highlighted the problems that will occur if the country's wasteful use of energy continues to cause changes in our climate.

As a result of the buildup of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere which is making the planet a hotter place, he starkly predicted grim changes in weather patterns resulting in more extreme floods, droughts and storms.

Rising sea levels from melting polar ice caps already threaten humans, plants and animals in hot, low lying countries, whilst frozen habitats for polar bears are disappearing. In the UK bluebell woods, the beech tree, water voles and many other species will find it difficult to survive in drier conditions.

At present 25 per cent of all energy in the UK is used to heat and light homes. The average household could cut energy use by 75 per cent and make savings of up to £200 a year on fuel bills.

Switch On Swindon! is looking for volunteers in Swindon to promote the competition. The aim is to make people realise that energy in the home can easily be used in a smarter way. This will save pounds off fuel bills, protect the environment and could win £1,000 towards a community based project.

The competition runs until November 2004. Each community, defined as a council ward will earn points for organising talks and events about energy efficiency, getting householders to fill in home energy surveys, encouraging them to install energy efficiency measures ranging from low energy light bulbs to loft insulation, or persuading people to switch to a green power tariff.

"This competition is open to any Swindon-based club or organisation, from a football club, school to a church group," said Switch On! Swindon Project Assistant Ruth Baker. "It is your chance to come forward and win some money for your community, and do your bit to protect the environment for wildlife, our children and grandchildren."

The most active group will win £1,000. Individual householders who improve energy efficiency at home will be entered into a prize draw and could win up to £500.

To sign up for the competition or to find out more call Ruth Baker on 535476 or mail: energy@wiltshirewildlife.org