Northampton Liberal Democrats call for action on climate change

2.11.42pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 28th Sep 2006

Using solar panels could help reduce energy consumption in Northampton

Northampton Borough Liberal Democrat group will be calling for county-wide action on climate change at a meeting of the full Council on Thursday 28th September.

Councillors Jane Hollis and Andrew Simpson have submitted a motion calling for an environmental audit of the Borough Council in a bid to help the UK meet targets set out in the Kyoto agreement. The motion will call on the Council to improve its environmental performance and identify future financial savings through more efficient energy use.

Councillor Jane Hollis, who is proposing the motion said:

"Climate change is seen as something that is happening far away, when in fact Northampton has already experienced the devastating effects of climate change with the 1998 floods.

"Energy use is a major cause of global warming which in turn leads to rising sea levels and flooding. We need to take drastic action to reverse the changes which is why we are calling for real action by cutting the Council's energy usage."

Councillor and Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Northampton North Andrew Simpson said:

"Our motion calls for the Council to look at practical measures to reduce our carbon emissions. Some authorities have switched to green energy suppliers, changed the fuel in their vehicle fleet or installed small wind turbines and solar panels to generate power. The possibilities are endless and even the smallest changes can make a big difference."

Councillor Jane Hollis will propose the motion, seconded by Councillor Andrew Simpson at Council on Thursday 28th September at 6.30pm in the Guildhall.