True blue leader praises red council’s green policy

12:20pm Monday 16th January 2006

Croydon's Labour-run council has been given a slap on the back for its environmental policies by the new leader of the national Conservative party.

Recently-elected Tory chief David Cameron praised the borough for its green policies in a speech to the party last month.

Mr Cameron, who took over from Michael Howard, urged other local authorities to follow the example set by Croydon.

In a speech designed to "put the environment and quality of life at the heart of politics", Mr Cameron said councils should follow Croydon's lead on "renewables".

Renewables is the term used to describe green energy sources like solar and wind.

Croydon, along with neighbouring council Merton, has a policy that promotes the use of renewable energy during the planning stage.

In his speech Mr Cameron said: "We can encourage local authorities to follow the pro-renewables lead of Woking, Merton and Croydon councils."

Councillor Tony Newman the Labour leader of the council said: "David Cameron acknowledges that Croydon's Labour council is leading the way in delivering a cleaner, greener environment, but Croydon's Tories are committed to cuts that would see the end of many recycling facilities in the borough.

"With Labour, Croydon Council will continue to invest in new recycling facilities for household and garden waste, while ensuring these services are efficient and cost-effective."

However, Croydon Conservatives rubbished Coun Newman's claims. Phil Thomas, shadow spokes-man for environmental services at the council, said: "David Cameron praised Croydon for the work it has done on pro-renewables, not recycling.

"How Tony Newman has the audacity to talk about recycling flabbergasts me. His council's recycling rate is 11.2 per cent, which is nothing to crow about.

"Neighbouring Conservative Bromley is recycling 26 per cent of its rubbish. We could do a much better job and the people of Croydon want to recycle more."