Liberal Democrats on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council will next week call on councillors to back a campaign aimed at driving forward cuts in the authority’s carbon emissions.

Councillor Irene Curr (Coatham Ward) has submitted a motion to the Council meeting on 15 October calling on the Labour-run Council to sign up to the “10:10 Campaign” to reduce carbon use.

The 10:10 campaign calls on individuals, businesses and other organisations to work towards a 10% cut in carbon emissions in 2010.

The campaign also aims to show world leaders that there is public support for dramatic cuts in global fuel consumption in the hope of encouraging an international agreement at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which meets in Copenhagen in December.

Councillor Curr said:

“The Council should be giving a lead on carbon reduction. 10% will be a tough target to achieve, but if the Council has the will to do it I am sure it will be possible.”

Her colleague, Liberal Democrat Councillor Mike Carling, seconded the motion, adding:

“I hope that many local residents and businesses will also sign up to the 10:10 Campaign.”

“In these tough economic times it makes sense, not only for the environment, but in cutting fuel bills too.”