Greetings again to residents across the borough. This week I wanted to tell you a little bit about our climate change actions.
Since Bracknell Forest organised its first ever climate change summit last summer, many different groups have been meeting to decide how each of us can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint across the borough. These groups represent business, parish and town councils, faith and community groups, transport, NHS, education, conservation groups, council officers and council members.
I have attended several of these and the enthusiasm and passion for action and change is infectious. We are all working towards producing a new climate change strategy for the whole borough, not just the council.
I have been visiting schools to talk with our young people about the importance of walking or cycling to school. I also recently visited Warfield CE Primary School to celebrate the huge number of Eco Reward points they have achieved. These points can be converted to discounts with online retailers.
Eco Rewards offer awards and incentives for schools, businesses and communities in Bracknell Forest, to encourage us all to choose greener travel and healthier lifestyle options. Employers can invite their staff to join and reduce their carbon footprint. Collectively, we could save on fuel costs and reduce the carbon dioxide emissions by 1,000’s of tonnes. Please visit the Eco Rewards website for more information.
An initial short survey for the new Local Transport Plan has just ended, with responses received from over 1,000 residents, alongside comments on social media and emails. The responses will now be analysed but the need to clear and clean the cycle routes and footpaths is coming out as a priority. We will need the support of volunteers to help us achieve this.
I have also spoken to young people about the need to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle.’ Please keep up the good work in recycling food waste. This goes to produce energy and reduces the need for costly landfill. We all need to continue to recycle as much as we can. This helps save us all money as well as protecting our environment.
The budget will be voted on at the February council meeting and it will be clear to all that money is indeed in short supply.
I wish you all a pleasant week ahead.
Cllr Mary Temperton
Leader of Bracknell Forest Council
