LIB DEMS URGE MAYOR TO SIGN UP TO 10:10 CAMPAIGN

12.19.03pm GMT Mon 2nd Nov 2009

Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader Steve Darling has written to Conservative Mayor Nick Bye urging him to sign Torbay Council up to the environmental 10:10 campaign.

Thousands of individuals and a growing number of local councils of all political colours have signed up to the 10:10 campaign, which commits them to lowering their carbon emissions by 10% by the end of 2010.

Liberal Democrat Councillors will be tabling a motion at the next Full Council in December calling for the Council to sign up to the campaign.

As this matter will be up to the Mayor to decide, Councillor Steve Darling has written to Nick Bye in advance so that he can choose to make his decision at the Full Council meeting, rather than having to wait until the Cabinet meeting afterwards which is the normal council procedure.

Councillor Darling's letter to the Mayor says:

"Please find attached a copy of a motion that the Liberal Democrats will be tabling at the Full Council in December.

A growing number of local authorities of all political colours have signed up to the 10:10 campaign. Apparently, even the Conservative Mayor of London has signed up to the campaign.

As you will have had advance notice of the motion, it would be appreciated if you could consider the motion before the Council meeting takes place. You could then take your decision at the Council meeting, as you did on the motion on the Cenotaph."

Councillor Darling said, "The 10:10 campaign has really taken off nationally, with thousands of individuals and a growing number of Councils of all political colours signing up to reduce their carbon emissions by 10% next year. The Liberal Democrats will be tabling a motion at the next Full Council meeting calling on the Council to sign up. By giving the Mayor advance notice, I am hopeful that he will be able to make a decision at the meeting."