Press release

Friends of the Earth offers People Power for Positive Planning

13 January 2011

Friends of the Earth will host a residential training weekend focusing on how to use the planning and legal system to defend individual and community rights. The event, called "People Power for Positive Planning," will take place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 February 2011, at the Dromantine Retreat Centre, near Newry.

Experts in planning and the law will impart their detailed knowledge and experience to delegates in workshops, seminars and plenary sessions.

Niall Bakewell, Activism Co-ordinator at Friends of the Earth said:

"This is a unique opportunity to learn how to use the system to your advantage and to campaign successfully for the benefit of your community. We will be giving delegates direct access to the people with an insider understanding of how planning and the law work in Northern Ireland. Friends of the Earth staff will also be on hand to provide training on how to mobilise activism in your area."

Mr Bakewell continued:

"As well as offering places for this event at a subsidised rate of just £60, including accommodation and food, we are also putting on return transport from Belfast Central Railway Station to the venue. Every community in Northern Ireland would benefit from sending a representative to this event."

To find out more about this event, or to make a booking, email Niall Bakewell or telephone 028 9089 7592.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust