In pictures: Peterborough rises to the green challenge
THE green gauntlet was officially thrown down by city leaders yesterday as Peterborough officially launched its bid to become Environmental Capital of the UK.
THE green gauntlet was officially thrown down by city leaders yesterday as Peterborough officially launched its bid to become Environmental Capital of the UK.Not content with being one of four Environment Cities in the UK, Peterborough is going all out to prove it is number one and deserves its eco-crown.
The city held its very first "Green Day" with citizens donning green to show their support and culminating in Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) unveiling its ambitious eco-manifesto in front of gathered dignitaries.
Speaking at the invitation-only event at The Bull Hotel, Westgate, PECT chief executive Hugh Cripps said they had been amazed at the groundswell of support from across the city for the day.
He said: "We know we have a number of challenges along the way to become the environment capital but the changes that have been made in 15 years are incredible.
"I would say we have seen a 100 per cent improvement in commitment and achievement which is great. The whole city has really got behind it."
The evening also featured a talks by green icons such as Dick Strawbridge , presenter of Scrapheap Challenge as well as the premier of a film showcasing the city's ambition on which Peterborough secured the royal seal of approval from Prince Charles who said he had "enormous admiration" for the city's bid.
Along with Peterborough City Council and Opportunity Peterborough, charities were also at the bash showing their support with Age Concern Peterborough's Jane Grant saying their charity were only too happy to support Green Day.
She said: "We have a very good relationship with PECT with one of their members on our fund-raising committee and we feel quite strongly about supporting green issues."
Peterborough's confidence in its green credentials meant they refused the offer by government officials to just make them the first ever holder of the title "Environment Capital".
Instead they have chosen to go head-to-head with the other three cities, Leicester, Middlesbrough and Leeds to prove once and for all that Peterborough is a worthy holder.
The city council's cabinet member for the environment Wayne Fitzgerald said he thought Peterborough was already well ahead of the competition but there is still more work to be done.
He said: "There is no official criteria from the Government so we can only keep up the commitment and awareness. Each of the environment cities has qualities and faults, and I happen to think we have more qualities than most. The people of the city are really aware of recycling and green issues and that will be the main reason we will succeed, the fact we are sustainable."
Now city leaders hope to show the rest of the country that with hard work and commitment it can be done.
More on PeterboroughToday.co.uk:
Green Day: more features, information and news plus: pledge your support for the city's Environment Capital bid.
Environment home Local news, features and information to help you share, enjoy and support Peterborough's environment.
External links:
For more on how you can do your bit for the environment, visit www.pect.net or www.greenenergyswitch.com.
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Tuesday 16 March 2010
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