Woman trapped under lorry in Grantham

North Lincolnshire Council has committed to a greener, more sustainable future by pledging to become carbon neutral by 2030.

It comes as part of a new policy that was approved at the council’s Cabinet meeting on Monday, January 24.

The ‘Green Future’ proposals will see the council, together with residents and businesses, make positive changes to create a cleaner and healthier North Lincolnshire area.

It has been designed with huge backing from a consultation, which saw 99% of responders agree with all the aims set out in the council’s plans, designed to achieve decarbonisation, protect and enhance the environment, all while boosting economic growth.

The wheels are already in motion for North Lincolnshire Council’s decarbonising pledge, having cut its carbon footprint by more than 60% since 2009, saving £12 million in the process.

The new policy is developed across the themes of net zero and sustainable energy, resources, waste and water management, natural environments and a shared responsibility and vision.

Councillor Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is one of the most important pieces of policy we will be responsible for – it sets a vision which will protect North Lincolnshire now and for future generations.

“We already have an enviable track record when it comes to protecting and enhancing the environment; slashing our carbon emissions in the last decade, planting over 85,000 trees and re-establishing vast areas of urban wildlife habitats – but we can and will go further.

“It embeds environmental protections and enhancements into everything we do and across all that we are responsible for – and is designed to protect and create jobs, taking advantage of new green technologies and the emerging industries.”

Councillor David Rose, cabinet member for environment, said: “This touches every single community, every single business and every single resident.

“It recognises we all play our part in making our area a cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable and attractive place to live, work and visit.”

A memorial plaque will be placed at the site that saw a Lincolnshire firefighter lose his life on the front line, 30 years on from his death.

The plaque is in honour of Malcolm Kirton, who was 38 when he died fighting a fire at a large furniture and carpet store in Gainsborough on February 2, 1992.

Malcolm was based at Saxilby fire station, and was called to the fire where it was reported that a young mother and child were inside the store.

He and a fellow firefighter when in to search for them, suffering extreme heat exhaustion and Malcolm was eventually found collapsed inside the store by an emergency breathing apparatus crew.

It was later discovered that the mother and child were inside the store, but had managed to escape through a window, something Malcolm and his colleague were unaware of when they went in to search for them.

It will be placed near to the site of the store as part of the Fire Brigade Union’s Red Plaque scheme, which aims to commemorate firefighters who lose their life in the line of duty.

The unveiling will take place on the 30th anniversary of Malcolm’s death, near the Elm Cottage Pub on Church Street, beginning at 1pm and free to attend for the public.

His family members, some firefighter colleagues, national officials from the union and local civil dignitaries will be present at the event.

Ben Selby, Fire Brigades Union vice president and executive council member for the East Midlands, said: “Leading firefighter Malcolm Kirton was a popular firefighter and loving family man with two young children. He gave the ultimate sacrifice in trying to save the lives of others.

“His bravery and what he gave cannot be forgotten, and this plaque will help to ensure this is the case. It will have a prominent position in the local community, and will be a fitting tribute to Malcolm.”

Lincolnshire’s Chief Fire Officer, Mark Baxter, said: “The death of a firefighter while on duty is a tragedy and it’s important that Malcolm and his contribution to the service, is remembered. The events of that incident will live long in the memory of so many people, so having a place dedicated in recognising Malcolm is so important.

“This commemoration reminds us of the bravery of firefighters serving their communities, and of the importance of our continued efforts to make the profession as safe as possible.”