Council approves plans to tackle climate change

The measures were approved during a meeting at Barrow Town Hall

More 20mph speed limit zones, electric charging points and trees could be seen in Cumbria under plans approved by councillors.

A range of measures designed to tackle climate change were approved by Westmorland and Furness Council on 23 January.

They are part of the council's aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2037.

Councillor Giles Archibald said climate change is a "high priority" for the council.

'Happy situation'

Members of the council approved its carbon management strategy for 2024-2039 during a meeting at Barrow Town Hall.

The Liberal Democrat-led authority committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions in the area and declared climate and biodiversity crises in 2022.

By 2037, the authority wants to reach net zero in relation to direct emissions from council buildings, plants and vehicles, and indirect emissions associated with energy consumed by the council.

The cost will equate to about £26m - but the council estimates it could save around £8.2m a year once the carbon reduction measures are complete.

According to council documents seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the strategy relies on the future decarbonisation of the national grid.

Councillor Peter Thornton, cabinet member for highways and assets, said: "We can deliver the strategy using the savings the strategy will produce.

"We're in a happy situation of being able to save carbon and money at the same time."

More charging points could be installed in parts of Cumbria

Councillors also approved the second part of the authority's climate change plan.

The initial part of the plan focused on measures including the retrofitting of homes, the construction of a new solar farm and the development of an electric vehicle infrastructure strategy.

Part two outlines "ambitious" plans to encourage walking and cycling and a commitment of £1m for local sustainable transport schemes.

The introduction of 20mph zones in appropriate places and the provision of electric vehicle chargers will reduce emissions, the report adds.

Other measures include tree planting and peatland restoration projects.

'Milestone'

Cabinet member for climate and biodiversity, councillor Giles Archibald, described the agreement as "another milestone for our council and for Westmorland and Furness".

He added: "As a council, we are making climate change a high priority and they signify our dedication to combating climate change and providing leadership in the drive to become carbon net zero.”