A former parish councillor has urged the newly elected H&I Parish Council to recommit to tackling climate change, saying “there has been little visible action” since it declared a Climate Emergency in 2019.
Tom McKeown shared his views publicly during the Open Forum at the Annual Parish Meeting for Histon and Impington on Monday evening (11 May) – and gave examples of how the Council’s previous pledges had not been properly followed up.
‘Immediate issue’
In his speech, he argued that climate change is an immediate issue rather than a problem for future generations. Councillors were also reminded the UK’s 2050 Net Zero target “is legally binding, and local government is expected to play a central role in delivering it”.
Tom said: “A previous Histon & Impington Parish Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019, adopting an ambitious 2021 Net Zero goal. Yet, there has been little visible action since.”
The LED lighting installed on the netball court and the Council’s Nature and Biodiversity Committee being dissolved were among the examples given to highlight the issue.
Tom explained: “The Council proudly publicised the move to LED lighting on the netball court as an emission reducing measure. However, a Freedom of Information request demonstrated the Council held no data to quantify the emissions saved, nor to evaluate how meaningful that measure was in meeting the 2050 Net Zero requirement.”
He also mentioned how, when he was serving as a councillor, an energy consultant was commissioned to evaluate Net Zero pathways at the Rec building. “To date, that report has not been published for community consideration, nor has it led to any specific actions,” he said.
Response
Standing before a room of around 40 residents and her fellow councillors, Cllr Sarah Smith acknowledged action on addressing climate issues had been lacking. Speaking directly to Tom, she said: “You were right to come here and hold us to account.”
Sarah explained there had not been enough councillor interest for a committee dedicated to the issue to remain quorate. However, if enough councillors are willing to participate she said she would be “willing to step up” and chair the committee.
With four seats available for co-option at the Council, residents were invited to get involved especially if they have experience of biodiversity and climate change programmes.
Other matters
At the meeting, there were also presentations from the Cambridge Growth Company and Friends of Impington Windmill, which is exploring how funds can be raised to pay for specialist repairs.
Residents also raised questions related to the sites previously suggested for the pump track and the proposed £3.8 million redevelopment of the Rec.
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