Climate in focus

south Ayrshire is to have a climate change strategy for the first time.

A senior boss admitted the council had none at a Leadership Panel in Ayr.

the council managed to cut its carbon footprint by 13 per cent during the last financial year.

Responding to comments from councillors, Kenneth Dalrymple, Neighbourhood services boss said: “We don’t have a strategy.”

He added: “the main driver is to get a strategy with the right people on board.”

More electric cars, renewable energy sources and sustainable commutes for employees were called for at the meeting.

Chief executive Eileen Howat told councillors officers would come up with a plan.

she said: “It is an area we need to pick up going forward. It is also an opportunity for us to save money as well and use the energy generated from the initiatives.”

Council leader Douglas Campbell said: “We have a coastal community. We already have areas that are subject to flooding risk. It is incumbent on us to take the lead. We need to look at the basics such as planting trees.”

the amount of household waste increased by half a per cent- causing the council to miss its target.

However the target for compost waste was exceeded. Goals for cutting biodegradable rubbish going to landfill were also achieved. And the household waste landfill reduction target was met.

Depute council leader Brian McGinley said: “We don’t have the luxury of relying on fossil fuels going forward. We need to make sure we have a priority for green renewables. this needs to come further up the priority list.”

the Leadership Panel members signed off the Annual Climate Change Duty Reporting document. the paper is a record of the council’s efforts towards meeting the scottish Government’s climate change goals.

In March the council promised to stop using plastic straws and other single use plastics.