CLIMATE change protestors have launched a raft in a bid to get MPs to back a bill fighting to avoid environmental catastrophe.

Members of Extinction Rebellion Colchester have anchored the float in the River Colne at the Hythe in Colchester with slogans including Zero CO2, Act Now and Flood Risk.

The area was chosen as it was earmarked as an area by science news organisation Climate Central which could be underwater by 2050 if climate change continues unabated due to rising sea levels.

Much of the coastline around Clacton, Mersea and Tollesbury were also raised areas of concern.

Protestors launched the raft in the early hours of the morning so it was visible to people as they walked by.

XR Colchester want MPs to get behind Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill, which was released this summer, has been created by a group of scientists, lawyers and activist.

So it has far received support from a number of parties and 76 MPs.

Linda Cross, spokesman for XR Colchester said it was vital change happened soon and that a fairer and greener Britain emerged from the coronavrius crisis with action taken to mitigate the flooding risks in Essex in the not too distant future.

She said: “We need to highlight this important bill, not just to citizens but also our representatives in parliament.

"It is vital they support this and begin the necessary steps to make significant change and avoid the catastrophic consequences.

"We ask everyone to write to their local MP to ask them to put their support behind the bill and help make it lasting and impactful legislation.”