A WINCHESTER environmental charity has announced the appointment of its new chairman.

Tony Stoller has taken over from Cllr Roger Huxstep to lead local group Winchester Action on Climate Change (WinACC) as announced at the charity’s AGM on Saturday (October 4).

Cllr Huxstep will continue with his role as a WinACC trustee.

Mr Stoller, who is also the chairman of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Housing Trust, said: “WinACC has had a real impact over this last year. We are delighted that WinACC’s partnership with Winchester City Council has grown even stronger, following the council’s decision to adopt an action plan for a low carbon economy, as well as holding firm to its ambition to create a low carbon Winchester district when the Community Strategy was reviewed last year. More and more people are getting involved in WinACC and pledging to cut their own carbon footprint.

“Together, we are working towards the vision of a low-carbon Winchester district, where people can work and enjoy themselves without being forced to use their cars, and live warm and comfortable lives without their heating costing the earth. We are looking at how we can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that pollute our atmosphere, and how we can get more renewable energy generated and used locally.”

Welcoming Mr Stoller to the role was WinAcc’s director Chris Holloway.

She said: “WinACC’s chair provides leadership and strategic direction, and has to head the trustees, be the public face of WinACC and influence key people.

“We are pleased to have been able to appoint Tony, who lives in the district, cares about the future of our children and grandchildren, and wants to create a fairer world.”