Delivering for our Local Environment
I am passionate about improving our local environment. We have recently seen a host of brilliant environmental improvements which have been delivered in Kettering Borough over the last 12 months - thanks to local Conservative leadership.
Here is a summary of how Kettering Borough has become ‘greener’ - not only enhancing our local area for the benefit of all those that live, work and visit here but also providing a vital contribution to the global team effort to improve our biodiversity and environment.
1: Pardon the weeds, we’re feeding the bees
This brilliant initiative allowed our local verges to grow naturally, resulting in an abundance of dandelions, daisies and other native species which in turn provided a welcome boost for local pollinator species.
Kettering Borough Council’s shared grounds team were deservedly recognised for this innovative scheme and were recently awarded the International "Green Apple Award" for Environmental Best Practice, recognising the excellent local schemes we have enjoyed this year to promote wildflowers and help pollinators.
The team may now become Ambassadors to expand these ideas to other councils.
2: Energy-efficient and high-quality council housing
Your local Conservatives are continuing to forge ahead with our plan to deliver a new generation of council housing for local people. The refurbishment of Hamilton House and Montrose House was completed earlier this year thanks to a £3.2 million investment.
The 1920s blocks were transformed into 18 one and two-bedroom apartments, with improvements made to communal areas, play areas and car parking. Strong efforts were made to include accessible accommodation into the scheme and a new renewable heating system ensures the scheme is fully fit for the future.
PHOTO CREDIT: Kettering Borough Council website.
3: Delivering for local pollinators
In addition to ‘Pardon the weeds, we’re feeding the bees’, Kettering Borough Council also delivered some stunning wildflower displays around our local area. These displays have been warmly welcomed by many local residents, and not only look stunning but also support and encourage local pollinator species.
4: Local tree planting
Under local Conservative leadership, Kettering Borough Council has committed to double tree planting in our area from 250 to 500 trees per year. 100 trees have been planted at Desborough Green Space along with a further 20 at the recently-refurbished Meadow Road Park - with plenty more to follow!
5: Kettering Borough Council’s energy supply switched to 100% renewable energy
In January 2020, Kettering Borough Council’s Conservative Executive Committee agreed to switch the council to a 100% renewable energy supplier from October 2020.
6: Local renewable energy production
A solar farm near Grafton Underwood has recently been approved. The combined output of this scheme and the existing Burton Wold wind farm will provide a huge contribution towards the production of renewable and sustainable energy, helping to power local homes and businesses and making a vital contribution towards our continued efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
7: Vehicle charging points
Numerous vehicle charging points have been delivered in Kettering Borough, including those recently installed at the London Road car park. The upcoming improvements to Burton Latimer’s Churchill Way car park will include further such charging points.
Find out more by reading my article for the Conservative Environment Network.
