NEWTON Abbot Town Council has pledged to do its bit towards creating a greener future by reviewing working practices and collaborating with environmental groups to safeguard and improve threatened habitats.
In January the authority declared a Biodiversity Emergency in line with the Government’s aim of halting the decline in native plants and wildlife by 2030 and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The move was made by the Town Council to recognise the need for a healthy environment that can support future prosperity and the wellbeing of residents, workers and visitors.
Short term aims could include the installation of rainwater harvesting tanks at council properties and staging community projects such as bird box building or the creation of wildflower meadows.
It has already banned the use of pesticides in weed control and thrown its weight behind a pesticide ‘amnesty’ set to take place in Bradley Barton.
It will work with Devon County Council and Teignbridge Council to consider the potential biodiversity impacts of planning applications and infrastructure proposals, as well as supporting businesses and residents in their bids to green up the parish.
A Working Party has been tasked to consider the Town Council’s action plan and will report back to members in the spring.
Mayor Cllr David Corney-Walker said: ‘We are all becoming ever more aware of the pressure our natural environment is coming under and the need to reverse at least some of the damage caused by human activity.
‘While I recognise that the Town Council has little clout compared to larger authorities and the Government it remains our responsibility to set the tone for Newton Abbot and to show some leadership in this critical manner.
‘We will look at all our working practices, assess their likely environmental impact and take advice on means to improve our performance.
‘We already work with Green Futures Newton Abbot on several initiatives and would welcome the public’s thoughts on other projects we might consider.
‘Even the longest journey starts with a single step and that is one I’m pleased to say we’ve now taken by declaring a biodiversity emergency.
‘We look forward to taking many, many more and having the people and businesses of Newton Abbot right beside us all of the way.’
