MOVES are under way to turn Salisbury into a Transition City.

Eighty people went to a public meeting at the Guildhall on Wednesday to hear a talk by the Transition movement’s founder Rob Hopkins about the difference it has made in Totnes, Devon and how it is spreading across the country.

The movement is about coping with climate change, reducing society's reliance on fossil fuels, lowering our carbon footprint and living in a more sustainable way.

This includes supporting local producers and encouraging communities to be more self-reliant by buying locally-produced food, wider use of energy-saving measures and renewable energies, and boosting the local economy.

The event was organised by Green city councillor Michael Pope and Mayor Jo Broom.

Inspired by what they heard, people agreed to set up a steering group, which will meet shortly and will be community-led.

Cllr Pope said: “We want to build on already established projects such as the local food markets, community farm and teenage markets. “This is an exciting initiative, and my vision is to move to the next level and would include ways to boost the local economy.”

Groups will be set up to discuss themes such as local food, the local economy, energy, community and schools.

Local major projects could include a local currency similar to those used, for example, in Totnes or Lewes, East Sussex, a community energy company and a micro brewery.