CLLR Miller asks where are the Lib Dems on climate change in his letter (Postbag 22/01/07). LibDem Uttlesford has been leading the way in promoting initiatives to tackle climate change. Initiatives ranging from promoting energy efficiency and the offer

CLLR Miller asks where are the Lib Dems on climate change in his letter

(Postbag 22/01/07).

LibDem Uttlesford has been leading the way in promoting initiatives to tackle climate change.

Initiatives ranging from promoting energy efficiency and the offer of a council tax rebate towards new insulation schemes.

The doubling of Uttlesford's recycling figures following the introduction of the three bin recycling system will reduce the methane generated by the rubbish sent to landfill. Methane is even more damaging to the atmosphere than C02.

Uttlesford refused Stansted Airport permission for more CO2 emitting planes to fly from Stansted than current limits, a decision Lord Hanningfield, Tory Leader of Essex County Council, described as 'a mistake'.

LibDems are not against looking at how we can save the energy used by street lights. But there are many things that could be done to reduce CO2 emissions without switching them off.

LibDem controlled Devon County Council is conducting a trial involving dimming of lights, rather than a complete switch off.

They are running a trial in just one road in Exeter, and a small village, rather than turning off the lights across a whole district.

Many road signs are illuminated 24 hours a day. It would be more acceptable to switch these off in daylight, than to switch street lights off at night.

Such suggestions would allow significant reductions in CO2 emissions without the need to switch off the street lights in the middle of the night, which will increase the risk to personal safety, increase the fear of crime, and make our roads less safe.

I am pleased the county council has modified its proposals to some extent to take account of representations from Great Dunmow Town Council, and I doubt this would have happened if we had not made strong representations that the original consultation had been a sham.

Much of the town will still be plunged into darkness during the night, and I remain concerned about the impact this will have on people's safety.

Cllr Mark Gayler

Leader of Uttlesford District Council and Member for Great Dunmow North