Vale Welcomes New

12.07.28pm GMT Mon 11th Dec 2006

The Vale's Executive has appointed a new Climate Change Champion to develop a strategy for the district. Cllr Mary de Vere has been chosen to lead the Vale's response to the numerous issues which are increasingly affecting communities across the globe.

Recent heavy rain and local flooding in many parts of the South East have thrown such issues into sharp focus and Cllr de Vere's task will be to develop and implement a climate change strategy for the Vale of White Horse. The aim of this will be to establish and encourage local action on energy saving, green travel and green procurement of products and services which will help to reduce the global impact of climate change, thus benefiting everyone.

Along with many organisations and businesses, the Council is beginning to focus on environmental concerns as part of its day to day work. Most recently a 'Green Travel Plan' has been introduced to encourage staff and councillors to think more about their journeys to and from Vale offices and sites during working hours. The aim is to reduce the impact the Vale has on the environment.

The Council has also been very successful in promoting grants for insulation and energy saving devices for Vale homes.

Cllr de Vere said: "I'm very excited to have been chosen as the Vale's Climate Change Champion. Few people would now deny that there are major changes occurring to our world. The Vale can develop a key role within the district in responding to these changes, not least through a change in our behaviour but also to encourage others to do so as well and to bring together good practice. Our grants for home insulation and our staff and councillor Green Travel Plan show that even small changes can benefit everyone."