WILTSHIRE Council have signed up to a government initiative that will re-affirm the council’s commitment to tackling climate change.

Climate Local is the only initiative of its kind in England, and is the successor to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change which Wiltshire Council signed in 2009.

By signing the council confirms it will continue to identify ways of saving money on energy bills, reducing flood risks and managing the impacts of extreme weather.

Since 2009 the council has reduced its carbon footprint by insulating homes, funding carbon reduction projects, engaging local schools in educational programmes and reducing council mileage emissions by nearly one third.

Toby Sturgis, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for strategic planning, development management, strategic housing, property and waste, said: “We have taken great strides as a council to be as energy efficient as possible and are always looking for opportunities to reduce our own, and the county’s, carbon emissions.

“Being part of this initiative will provide a great platform for us to continue our positive work and work closely with the other local authorities who have also signed up.”