Winchester's MP has met community leaders and a climate action charity to discuss their shared vision for benefiting communities, nature and climate.

The meeting on Saturday, October 12 was part of a nationwide initiative where MPs engage with community groups to push for continued support for people, nature and climate.

Danny Chambers met Alistair Black, chairman for Victoria Hall, and Richard Solomons, a trustee for the Gratton Trust in Sutton Scotney.

Both Victoria Hall and the Gratton Pavilion have recently had solar panels installed to provide electricity for the buildings.

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The MP also paid a visit to the Gratton Trust (Image: Supplied) They were supported by Stu Mills from Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis (WinACC) as part of a solar support project funded by Winchester City Council.

Stu is currently working with community groups across the Winchester district, aiming to secure funding for solar panel installations.

The initiative is a response to the financial strain caused by rising energy costs.

The solar panels will help these community halls save on electricity bills, with any excess energy generated being sold back to the national grid.

Following his visit to Sutton Scotney, Mr Chambers toured the Repair Cafe in Winchester, recent recipients of the Green Award at the BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference awards.

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He spoke to volunteers at the Repair Cafe (Image: Supplied) Hannah Henshaw, a volunteer at the Repair Cafe, shared how the cafe has grown in popularity since its opening and the importance of sharing repair skills to prevent unnecessary waste.

Dr Chambers said: "It’s good to see so many groups doing work in our communities that is good for us, good for nature and the climate and better for the economy, saving people money at the same time. As MP for Winchester, I will champion projects and policies that will do that too."

Ben Yarnall, interim chair of trustees for WinACC, said: "Communities across the Winchester district are already taking action on nature and climate.

"We’ve also had an incredible response to our project supporting community groups to put solar panels on their buildings.

"It is fantastic that we share common ground with our local MP, Danny Chambers, who also wants to support legislation changes calling for higher building standards for new buildings. We look forward to following his progress on this."

WinACC continues to encourage communities in Winchester and surrounding areas to take action on climate and nature-related issues.

They invite residents with ideas to email contactus@winacc.org.uk.