Measures to be taken to reduce Wrexham Council’s carbon footprint

Wrexham Council is set to take steps to try to reduce its carbon footprint as concerns about Climate Change continue to mount.

Last month the Welsh Government took the significant steps of declaring a climate emergency in Wales.

The decision followed protests demanding politicians take action against carbon emissions.

Wrexham Council is now set to explore how it can help to protect the environment.

However, it stopped short of declaring an emergency within the county borough itself.

It comes after a senior councillor asked for the authority to become more proactive at a full council meeting last week.

Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for environment, said: “Our minister Lesley Griffiths made a statement on behalf of Welsh Government about decarbonisation and climate change recently, also declaring a climate emergency.

“I’m not sure that we in Wrexham need to declare a climate emergency as it is referenced in our council plan about decarbonisation.

“However, one of the things I considered with an all Wales group a couple of weeks ago is about how local authorities are developing the work programme on decarbonisation.

“Moving towards a low carbon economy offers considerable benefits socially, not just supporting the local economy.”

He added: “The minister said that this is a critical time for Wales.

“What I’m proposing is an amendment to develop a clear plan within the next 12 months on decarbonisation which supports our work and the Welsh Government’s commitment to climate change.”

Cllr Bithell’s amendment to the council’s plan for the next three years received unanimous support.

It was welcomed by council leader Mark Pritchard, who also pledged to see if decarbonisation can be tied into the aims of the North Wales Growth Bid.

He said: “I’m more than happy to support the recommendation from Cllr David Bithell.

“I’d also like to add to work with the Public Service Board and others, which will support the North Wales Growth Bid to deliver carbon projects across the region of North Wales.”

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).