This award is a green fraud

9:51am Tuesday 25th March 2008

THE Worcestershire County Council was this month awarded a prize for its efforts in tackling climate change. Bravo green heroes!' you might declare from your armchair, as bus service cuts mean you can't go out after 7pm or on a Sunday.

The Government's Beacon Scheme awards local authorities for their innovation, vision and the services they provide. Like buses and road surfaces.

Our county council have proudly trumpeted how they are preparing the next generation for climate change, through their work with young people in Eco-schools and so forth. It may sound disapproving but I have to suggest that this is simply passing the buck.

"Congratulations kids! You've just inherited the mess we made."

What's more, the county council claims that it aims to be carbon neutral by 2010. An announcement that I am positive many voters would like to hear is how that would be achieved in less than two years. Perhaps councillors are banking on destructive carbon offsets'.

The waiting is over. We have a small window of opportunity and we need real political motivation to tackle the causes of climate change. This year the Government will agree a new climate change law that local authorities will have to deliver. (For details visit www.thebigask.com) Key to this local delivery should be policy that ensures new development is carbon neutral and an accomplished public transport network that links towns and villages.

Alistair Waugh

Friends of the Earth Redditch

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