Southwell town councillors declare a climate emergency which aims to make the town zero-carbon by 2030
A controversial climate emergency was declared by town councillors, with the aim of making Southwell a zero-carbon town by 2030.
The ten-year plan, if successful, would see Southwell act 20 years faster than the Government’s target of 2050.
Six councillors voted to adopt the amended environmental policy, while six abstained, giving council chairman Mrs Lyn Harris the final vote — and she voted in favour.
Most members were in favour of declaring a climate emergency, but the terms of the policy caused concerns.
Mr Roger Blaney said: “We should be realistic. To make Southwell carbon free in the next ten years, when the government suggests 30 years, is very unrealistic.
“We would have to get rid of all petrol and diesel cars in the next ten years and that simply isn’t going to happen.
“We need to be honest about that.
“We should become a zero-carbon town in convention with government, or perhaps a low-carbon, but I can’t believe we can do it three times as quickly.
“I do not wish to sign up to a plan that will see two of the town’s butchers come to me and ask me why I am telling people to shop at their places less frequently.
“And, I do not want to be part of a plan that tells people to buy less new clothes, when you take the stores we have in the town into account..
“They are both things people feel passionate about and are lifestyle choices.
“Those specific elements are troubling me because they go across the divide in what a council should be doing when encouraging its community.”
Paul Handley said: “I am questioning the way we are doing it, influencing people’s lifestyle choices.
"The notion of telling people you should eat less meat is a problem. At what point are you seen to be preaching to people?
"It is a great shame that is was passed with just six councillors voting in its favour."
Mr Martin Stott, who helped the climate change working group update its policy, said: "The UK has a moral obligation and we have seen the world wake up to this in the form of global youth strikes and extinction rebellion.
"And there is no commitment for the council to spend anything at this stage."
A member of the public, who approved of the amended policy, said: "I have a couple of points.
"There have been a lot of programmes about achievable things that can be done to help, and one of those was a food waste collection, something this town doesn’t have. That can be worked towards.
"A fast-charge point for electric cars is another one that can be easily worked on.
"We need to get a big smarter on this."
To read the policy in full, email the clerk to the town council, Tracey Broughton, at clerk@southwell-tc.gov.uk
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