Carbon cuts plan set for go-ahead

A landmark move to reduce the carbon footprint of a Lincolnshire authority is set to get the go-ahead.

The county council is expected to approve a carbon management action plan, which hopes to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20% within five years.

Initial measures include greater energy efficiency but more radical ideas like dimming street lights and turning off traffic lights will be considered.

The council said a one-fifth cut was a "realistic" target in the time frame.

Local action

Staff will be encouraged to switch off lights and computers, put waste in recycling containers and car share.

The authority's sustainability officer, Doug Robinson, said: "It is important for the council to lead by example.

"We are so often asking people to do things like recycle and leave the car at home that we would speak with a lot more authority if we grapple with these difficult issues ourselves."

Councillor Colin Davey said it was a global issue which needed local action.

"We all have a role to play because together we can make a difference," he said.

"It needs the world to make a change but if we don't make these changes in our own areas then we won't get far."

He added that all proposals would be closely examined for sustainability and safety.