Free Money!

Concerned about climate change?

We have already observed this year the effects of extreme weather events in our own country and around the world. Some parts of the UK experienced two months' rainfall in just 24 hours.

But do not despair! We can do something about it.

Lancashire County Council's 'Climate Change Fund' of £250,000 per year for three years is to be distributed through the 12 'Lancashire Locals' (next South Ribble meeting 7 pm, 4th October, Samlesbury) to support community action on climate change. The proportion of money available to each area is to be allocated according to carbon dioxide emissions per head of population and South Ribble has available £17, 857 this year.

Each Lancashire Local is to invite expressions of interest from individuals, community and voluntary groups, or Parish Councils for grants to support local climate change projects that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions or help communities cope with the inevitable impacts of climate change.Businesses and individuals may also apply, but a clear community benefit must be demonstrated.

Projects which the fund could support include carbon capture through tree planting, mini wind turbines and solar panels on community buildings; community ‘micro renewable’ energy schemes; energy efficiency measures and awareness raising.

The money is to be 'match funded' with some 'in kind' contribution (such as volunteer time) from the applicants. But don't let the jargon put you off ....

To find out more email Lancashire County Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment, County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson at matthew.tomlinson@cc.lancscc.gov.uk Matthew is also County Councillor for Leyland Central and South Ribble Borough Councillor for Golden Hill Ward.

If you don't feel able to build a wind farm in your back garden, the simple and cheap measure of switching to energy efficient lightbulbs is highly recommended if for no other reason than one would only have to totter precariously on a rickety stepladder without the aid of a safety net once every five years or so.Other things to do...

Picture byAdbusters