HEREFORDSHIRE Council has committed to take a major step to minimise their impact on the environment after declaring a climate emergency earlier this year.

At the cabinet meeting held on Thursday, elected members agreed to up their efforts to reduce emissions with the plan to become carbon neutral by 2030/31.

By next April, the council also want to deliver an updated carbon management plan and action plan for council emissions.

They will also work with different groups to create a CO2 reduction strategy to hit their 2030/31 target.

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Coun Trish Marsh, cabinet member for environment, economy and skills, said: "Climate change is a huge challenge that we must face together.

"The council acknowledges the very real threat that climate change poses to our planet and unanimously declared a Climate Emergency earlier this year.

"We are proud that both Herefordshire and the council have reduced their emissions by over 30 per cent in the last 8 years and we know we must do more."

At the meeting, the council also pledged to use 100 per cent renewably sourced energy where this provides the best carbon reduction return on investment.

Everyone in the county is being encouraged to make changes, no matter how small, to help protect Herefordshire for future generations.

To take part in Herefordshire Council's corporate plan consultation please visit herefordshire.gov.uk/ambition