Lib Dems back 10:10 campaign

8.23.43am GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

Test Valley's Liberal Democrats are calling on the borough council to sign up to the 10:10 campaign to cut carbon emissions by 10% in 2010.The motion submitted by Cllr Mark Cooper of Romsey and seconded by Cllr Len Gates of Andover highlights the success of the campaign and calls on Test Valley to join other Hampshire councils in actively supporting the 10:10 campaign.

Cllr Gates hopes the motion will get the support of all councillors. "Global warming is a far more serious threat to us and out future than anything else we have seen. It isn't going to go away and it needs positive action to tackle it" he said. "This action is best taken at a local level and local councils have a major role to play. We can make a difference and we have a duty to do so."

The full text of the motion is as follows:

This Council notes the success of the 10:10 campaign in encouraging individuals, businesses, local authorities and other organisations to reduce their carbon emissions by 10% in 2010;

Further notes that the 10:10 campaign, whilst aiming for cuts of 10% recognises that such significant reductions will be difficult to achieve at this stage in the year, so will recognise those organisations which reduce emissions by 3% or greater in 2010.

This Council thus resolves that it will join with other councils, including Winchester City Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and Havant Borough Council by signing up to the 10:10 campaign and will make a firm commitment to reduce its emissions as measured by National Indicator 185 (minus schools and outsourced contracts) by 3% or more by the end of 2010.