SUPPORT FOR 10:10 CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGE

4.51.45pm GMT Wed 11th Nov 2009

A major nationwide campaign to unite every local authority in reducing carbon emissions by 10% in 2010 has received yet another supporter - Somerset County Council.

The motion put forward by the Liberal Democrat group at this morning's Full Council meeting received resounding support and ensures the council will continue to lead by example. To date, just some of the measures the council has taken include wood pellet boilers in schools with better roof insulation, investing in flexi-fuel cars for its vehicle fleet and an array of photovoltaic cells on the roof of County Hall which provide the council's off-peak electricity. In recognition of these and many other green initiatives the Lib Dems were awarded the Local Government Association's first 'Green Council Group of the Year' award.

Cllr. John Bailey, Shadow Cabinet member for Environment said of the decision:

" We are already on target to hit the campaign's minimum target thanks to steps taken while we were in administration and building on this is a way to meet our manifesto pledges. In this way, the council is helping the community to reduce its carbon footprint too, so we hope other organisations and residents will be inspired to take part."

Anyone wanting to know more about the campaign can look at: www.1010uk.org