Fylde Council and Blackpool Airport's neighbours have called on Balfour Beatty, the airport's new owner, to tackle carbon emissions, the Gazette reports. The appeal comes as Fylde aims to rid itself of the unwanted tag of being one of the least energy efficient boroughs in the country.
Officers from the council have already met with representatives from the construction giant to discuss how to tackle pollution. Council leader John Coombes hopes activities both on the ground and in the air can be made more green.
He told the newspaper: 'We need to manage CO2 emissions. It is about looking at the carbon footprint of the airport and making sure there are some energy savings.' He said that the council could use planning regulations to ensure an expansion of the airport, which would see a new terminal being built, is carried out in a greener fashion and that he hopes better public transport links would help slash emissions.
Bob Fielding, from Residents Opposed to Airport Regime group (ROAR), formed to fight the expansion plans, urged airlines to do their bit as well. He told the Gazette: 'They will have to invest in new aircraft and in the present climate they won't want to do that.'
Sue Kendrick, communications manager at the airport, said plans are already in place to lower carbon emissions. She said: 'We are taking small steps now. In terms of the aircraft fleet it will depend on the airlines but they are getting more energy efficient aircraft in.' |
