After months of rumours (see previous Networking Newsletter), Manchester City Council's Executive has passed a resolution aiming to make Manchester "Britain's Greenest City".
Download the full proposal(90Kb, MS Word doc)
(NB the targets re: trees was changed at the mtg but we have not been informed whether the new target is higher or lower.) It's definitely a step in the right direction, and the Networking Newsletter is particularly pleased that the Council has bowed to pressure from us & our colleagues to include targets and a timetable as well as a mechanism for reviews.
So far, we've learned that the Council's Bio-diversity Strategy, final version, is still aiming only to reduce usage of peat - despite promising in 1990 to stop use within 3 years! Many environmentalists are extremely disappointed, if not angry, about this, particularly given assurances by the Council at the draft strategy stage that the final strategy would be much stronger. Skeptics have also been asking that if the Council can promise one thing in 1990 and still fail to deliver by 2005, what difference does a new "Greening Manchester" policy make.
Well, we're pleased to announce that, internally, the Council is now using email to distribute documents. Shame is, this is in addition to still sending round large bundles of paper reports!
But what do you think of the new policy? Is it a small shuffle or a giant stride forward? Let us know what you think and we'll collate responses, anonymously if you prefer (please make this obvious if this is the case!), to present at a future Council meeting or in a press release.
Michael, Networking Newsletter (eco@networkingnewsletter.org.uk)
100 Days - Raising a valid point or being environmental terrorists?
Political EDMs - Get your MP to sign the Action Against Irresponsible Motorists EDM
Social Enterprising - Report back from conference on Social Enterprises
4x4 Spells Double Trouble - Environmentalists find public support for SUVs to pay double the city centre parking charges
Cycle Lanes - Who are they for?
Working Together to Make Poverty History - Fallowfield and Withington Christian Aid supporters unite to wipe out debt
Dirty Aid, Dirty Water - Would you drink the Irwell?
BTCV & Mersey Valley Countryside Volunteering Days - Explore the wonders of Mersey Valley whilst making a difference to your local environment
Home
STOP PRESS
Latest newsletter