May 17, 2019 4.01 pm
This story is over 38 months old
County council rejects climate emergency call
But it committed to cutting emissions
Extinction Rebellion campaigners outside Lincolnshire County Council offices ahead of a climate emergency motion which was rejected. Picture: Calvin Robinson.
Lincolnshire county councillors rejected a call to declare a climate emergency, but made a commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
A motion tabled by the Labour opposition group at a meeting today called on the council to commit the authority to being carbon neutral by 2030.
But, the authority turned down the motion and passed an amendment noting the declaration of a climate emergency and a new target date.
The council said it “recognised” there is a climate problem, but stopped short of declaring an emergency.
Extinction Rebellion campaigners said the move was “not good enough”.
Councillor Rob Parker, leader of the Labour group on Lincolnshire County Council. Picture: Calvin Robinson
Councillor Rob Parker, leader of the Labour group, said he was “disappointed” with the result, but added that the amended target was “better than nothing”.
“Before we started, we didn’t have the same interest as has been demonstrated in the council chamber today,” he said.
He added that the matter is now on the “agenda” of the county council.
Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill
But, council leader, Martin Hill, said the council was taking a “pragmatic” approach to tackling climate change which includes adopting a carbon management plan.
“We understand that there are people declaring a climate emergency, but if you declare an emergency then that means that all your spare resources will go into climate change,” he said.
“Consistent with our target of 2050, we are saying that we note that there is a climate emergency and a climate issue and that we are doing everything reasonable to make sure we tackle that.
“What we are not prepared to do is to not look after those people in rural areas, we have a duty to provide rural services and look after people across rural areas of Lincolnshire.”
Around 59 councils across the country have declared a climate emergency and adopted policies to reduce carbon emissions.
Extinction Rebellion Lincolnshire campaigner, Simon Clark. Picture: Daniel Jaines for the Lincolnshire Reporter.
Local authorities including Cornwall, Devon and Durham have so far made the declaration.
Simon Clark, an Extinction Rebellion Lincolnshire campaigner who was in the public gallery, said he was disappointed with the authority.
“We are in an emergency and we need a commitment to faster action which they have not committed to and it’s very disappointing” he said.
Meanwhile, campaigner Rosemary Robinson said the the council needed to “put its money where its mouth is”.
Rosemary Robinson, Extinction Rebellion campaigner, who said the council needs to “put its money where its mouth is”. Picture: Daniel Jaines for the Lincolnshire Reporter.
“They need to start doing more than what they have been doing in the past,” she said.
“They’ve got to really take this seriously.”
But the county council said it has already delivered two carbon management plans which reduced its carbon footprint.
It added that the council has reduced its emissions by 40% since 2005.
SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from our coverage every week and insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
A seven-year-old girl from Immingham has raised more than £2,500 to help rebuild her local park after it was severely damaged in an arson attack earlier this year.
Elysia Shakespeare was really upset by the irreparable damage caused to the main climbing frame at Pilgrim Park, which was set ablaze by youngsters in an arson attack in April.
The park is one of Elysia’s favourite places to play and after the shocking attack she decided to try to help.
She organised a sponsored walk across the Humber Bridge and enlisted support from local post office staff to raise the sum, which has now been presented to the council.
The blazing fire at Pilgrim Park in April this year which destroyed the main climbing frame. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News hub
Lee Shakespeare, Elysia’s step-dad, speaking to Look North. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News Hub
Lee Shakespeare, Elysia’s step-dad, told BBC Look North that the council plan to replace some of the smaller apparatus first.
He said: “I’ve asked Elysia to jump online and come up with some drawings of ideas for what she actually wants to replace the old climbing frame area with.”
Elysia has suggested that she wants a “big” climbing frame, to start with.
Pilgrim park holds a special place in children’s hearts in Immingham, and it is hoped, with Elysia’s money, and other grants, the council will be able to make improvements for her, her friends and for subsequent generations.
A Lincoln care home resident had a day she’ll never forget after celebrating her 106th birthday by being served lunch by a butler in the buff.
Norah Shaw received close to 200 birthday cards after an appeal from Tennyson Wharf Care Home in Burton Waters.
As well as being served lunch by a buff butler provided by Butlers in the Buff, Norah also enjoyed a performance from her favourite singer Eleanor Mattley, as well as cake and wine.
Norah enjoyed chatting to her buff butler Ed. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
The care home said: “Well, what an absolutely fantastic day for a truly special lady.
“We would just like to say a huge thank you to every single person who sent Norah birthday cards and presents. We are all so touched by the heartwarming kindness that has been shown. It really has been astonishing.
Norah even got a card from The Queen. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
“Norah was blown away with the generosity and kindness so thank you to each and and every single person for being so amazing. It was so lovely to all be a part of seeing Norah enjoy them all.
“As you can see, Norah thoroughly enjoyed her butler in the buff surprise. The amazing kitchen supplied a wonderful afternoon tea which Ed, the butler served to Norah. What an experience that was for everyone involved.
Norah celebrating a birthday she will never forget! | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
Staff enjoyed celebrating Norah’s birthday with her. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
Norah also enjoyed a performance from her favourite singer – Eleanor Mattley. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
“We finished the day with a special performance from Norah’s all time favourite singer Eleanor Mattley Productions – Care Home Entertainment with prosecco and cake. The atmosphere was amazing as staff and residents joined together in song and dance for a truly magnificent afternoon.”
Whatsapp
