Frome launches ‘clean future’ plan – Town’s scheme will feature on BBC documentary

Local wildlife photographer Simon King and MP David Warburton have launched Frome’s ambitious ‘Clean and Healthy’ plan.

The plan, devised by Frome Town Council, outlines a variety of ways that Frome can cut air pollution from transport and energy and switch to a more energy secure and healthy future.

Simon King, a renowned television presenter and wildlife expert said, “Switching to cleaner energy and making homes easier to heat is a win/win. It will save households money and help to reduce the risks associated with rising carbon emissions which also impact on wildlife.”

Following the launch, Robert Llewellyn, who plays Kryten in the TV series Red Dwarf, came to visit Frome’s community solar projects with a film crew from BBC4 who are making a documentary to be aired in the spring.

He said, “It’s fantastic to see how by enabling the community to invest in local renewable energy projects everyone benefits – building owners get lower energy bills, money is generated for fuel poverty projects and community investors get a good return on their investment.  I hope that other places can follow in the steps of Frome.”

Anna Francis, Frome Town Council’s resilience officer added, “We know that Frome Town Council can’t do this alone. However, we also know that this isn’t ‘pie in the sky’ – countries such as Norway and India aim to switch to electric vehicles by 2030 and globally, investment in renewables is sky rocketing.

“Towns and cities around the world are switching away from fossil fuels and the benefits are huge.”

Frome’s ground-breaking plans are also supported by the former President Nasheed of the Maldives who visited the town recently. He said, “My country has no future if we continue to use energy the way we currently do. The whole island will become flooded by rising sea levels. Even in Frome increased flooding means that 720 homes are at risk. We need to work together to urgently tackle this crucial issue.”

Frome councillor Peter Macfadyen said, “Now we know what can be done in Frome, we want to work with other areas to share our ideas and approach. As part of this we are meeting the Archbishop of Canterbury on the 11th November. We are also working with MP David Warburton to organise a parliamentary session on this in the new year.”

For more information on the plan visit www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/cleanfuture or call 01373 475579.