A councillor in Clifton has set a challenge to a carbon reduction expert - transferring his good practice from the country to the city. Coun. Helen Douglas met the North York Moors National Park officer at a recent climate change conference in Harrogate and challenged him to demonstrate how his successful work in Esk Valley could be replicated in the estates of Clifton. She said:

"The officer spoke to me at length about a community project he undertook in the Esk Valley to help local people reduce carbon emissions and reduce fuel costs. He spoke about alternative sources of power as well as energy efficiency measures people could employ.

"I'm pleased to say he took me up on the challenge of coming to York and spending two hours walking through the estates of Clifton with me. We have agreed to work with the various Residents Associations in Clifton to promote the use of insulation, as well as to work on making sure those that are eligible are successful in receiving government funded grants through the Warm Front grant scheme".

"The Residents Associations will have a number of environment days where residents can learn more about what we plan to do and how we will achieve it".

Coun. Douglas says that there are a number of ways in which people can improve their energy efficiency, with insulation being the easiest and cheapest. "Many people are entitled to discounts on insulation, while some get it entirely free so it is worth contacting the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on York 554406 to get further information" she added.