Grant will mean a smaller footprint

OLDHAM Council’s green credentials have been given a boost after securing two years worth of free one-to-one support from the Energy Saving Trust.

This valuable support, which would have cost £15,000, will help the council improve ways of using energy in a more sustainable way.

The help and advice will also lead to reduced energy costs and help the council to meet its commitments to cutting carbon emissions and tackling climate change.

In the first year, the council will be helped to put together a clear action plan looking at housing, transport and council operations.

This will be put into practice during the second year, and will include bidding for funds under the Grants for Action scheme to help the council use energy more efficiently.

Council leader Howard Sykes, said: “I am delighted that this funding has been secured.

“The more assistance we can get in looking at how we can put in place more sustainable energy solutions and reduce our carbon emissions the better for all our citizens.

“We will also ensure that we stay ahead of demands from central government to be as energy efficient as possible and continue to work towards keeping our carbon emissions as low as possible.

“The Energy Saving Trust was extremely impressed with the work that the council had already done.”