news story

11th September 2006

Biggest Ever Environment Survey Launched

Steve Webb MP and Emma Bone at one of the new plastic bottle recycling banks for which the Liberal Democrats have been campaigning

Northavon MP Steve Webb and Emma Bone, Lib Dem candidate for Filton & Bradley Stoke, have joined forces to launch the biggest ever consultation with local residents over environmental issues. Steve and Emma have produced over 100,000 copies of a survey covering local, national and international environmental issues and these are currently being hand-delivered by volunteers across South Gloucestershire. This is by far the biggest consultation of its type ever undertaken and is already generating a huge response. Although the process of delivering the surveys is less than half way through, thousands of replies have already started to come back, confirming the very strong public concern about environmental issues.

Emma Bone said:

"The environment has always been a key priority for the Liberal Democrats. Our survey gives us the chance to hear what local people think about their own immediate environment, about the Government's record on green issues, and about the best way to tackle global issues such as climate change. This is a massive undertaking but we believe it is worth it because of the importance of the issue".

Commenting on the responses already received, Steve Webb said:

"It is already clear from the early response that local people are passionate about the quality of the environment. They want action on everything from litter in their local town and village, more recycling of plastic and less packaging, to support for renewable energy and public transport, and a government that will make tackling climate change a real priority. Our survey is already striking a strong chord with residents across South Gloucestershire and we will be poring over the replies that we receive over the coming months before producing a full report on our findings".