Green plans will boost jobs and homes in Fylde - Liberal Democrats

12.14.54pm GMT Sat 20th Dec 2008

Liberal Democrats in Fylde have given their backing to plans for investment in green schemes that will make homes warmer, cut energy bills and improve public transport. The plans, called Green Road out of Recession, were announced on 18th December by Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg MP.

The plans will cost £12.5bn, which would be paid for by scrapping the proposed VAT cut. The vast majority of that money will be spent immediately, making a real impact on the economy and people's lives right away. Green Road out of the Recession proposals include:

A five-year programme to insulate every school and hospital, with 20% completed in the first year

Funding insulation and energy efficiency for a million homes, with a £1,000 subsidy for a million more

Building 40,000 extra zero-carbon social houses

Buying 700 new train carriages

Reopening old railway lines and stations, opening new ones, particularly on the Fylde coast as well as electrifying the Great Western and Midland mainlines and beginning the Liverpool light rail network

Installing energy and money saving smart meters in every home within five years

"The plans proposed by Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats will give an immediate boost to the economy here in Fylde," said Professor Bill Winlow, Parliamentary Spokesman for Fylde Liberal Democrats. "And by insulating people's homes, it will help thousands of residents whose heating bills have gone through the roof in the past year.

"As part of this process, we would particularly welcome upgrading of Fylde Coast railway line to improve transport for commuters to encourage them to leave their cars behind and reduce pollution" said Professor Winlow?

"We would also encourage extension of the Blackpool tram system to the airport and elsewhere to reduce congestion and minimize the need for yet more car-parking spaces" he added.

"We would also like to see a tightening up of planning controls to improve insulation and to minimise the use of productive farmland in future developments" said Professor Winlow.

"Whilst Labour and the Conservatives are quietly dropping serious interest in tackling climate change and damage to the environment, Liberal Democrats believe that moving forward with green action on homes and transport will create jobs, cut energy bills, put money back into people's pockets and protect the environment."