LABOUR COUNCIL REFUSES TO BACK GREEN CAMPAIGN (Durham Liberal Democrats)

Durham Liberal Democrats <info@durhamlibdems.org.uk>

LABOUR COUNCIL REFUSES TO BACK GREEN CAMPAIGN

September 29, 2009 12:00 AM

Lib Dem green campaigner Carol Woods has expressed her frustration after the Leader of Durham County Council refused to sign up to a national environmental campaign.

Carol had written to the Council Leader to request he follow her lead by agreeing to cut the Council's emissions by 10% in 2010. However, he responded by saying he believed the Council was already doing enough.

Carol said, "While I welcome the long term commitments the Council has made, immediate action is required. There is a danger that long term goals are used as an excuse to avoid making the changes that need to happen now if we are to prevent catastrophic climate change. It's very worrying that the Council leadership complacently believe they are doing enough already.

"The aim of cutting 10% in 2010 is not a replacement for the much bigger cuts that are required in the coming years.

It is a mechanism for kick-starting that change in a way that is realistic and achievable

"Twenty eight other councils across the country have already signed up to the 10:10 campaign, there is no good reason why Durham cannot join them.

"I will be replying to the Labour leadership to impress upon them the importance of altering our behaviour now, not in 5 years or 40 years. It is disappointing that they have refused to back this vital campaign. I will be doing all I can to ensure they change their mind and give this campaign the backing it deserves."