Sunny side up for Council Leader

Published by webmaster for Chesterfield Borough Council in Communities

Chesterfield Borough Council Leader Ray Russell practices what he preaches - and is quids in as a result.

Cllr Russell is one of the most passionate advocates of his Council's green policies, which have led to Chesterfield earning a national reputation as one of the leaders in the use of renewable energy, rather than energy from fossil fuels.

He has had a solar panel fitted to his home to help heat his water by the sun - and as well as helping save the Earth's resources, he has reaped the benefit with a £50-plus reduction on his first energy bill!

"I would encourage anyone to think about fitting solar panels", he said. "There is minimal disruption, it does not harm the appearance of the house and there is the double benefit of saving money and saving scarce resources."

Chesterfield Borough Council has four major developments which use geothermal heating and cooling systems, utilising the Earth as an energy store instead of relying on energy created by burning fossil fuels or using nuclear power. In addition, its main sports centre and coach station are partly powered by electricity made from light by photovoltaic cells.

With the Council's encouragement, homebuilder Barratt has launched a scheme in the town which, for the first time, gives their new homebuyers the chance to move into properties already set up with solar panels.

The initiatives have figured in national publicity and earlier this month Chesterfield's position as one of the leading energy-conscious towns in the country was underlined with a visit from Chris Huhne MP, the Liberal Democrats' Shadow Environment Secretary.

Cllr Russell said: "I feel very strongly about the need to safeguard the environment for future generations. Chris Huhne is as keen as we in Chesterfield are on the use of renewable energy, and he showed a great interest in what we are doing here.

"He intends to spread the word whenever he can about our initiatives, and hopefully persuade other towns to follow suit."

Note to Editor: Cllr Russell is pictured outside his home, with solar panel in the roof, with his slimmed-down energy bill.

What’s going on in your area?

Chesterfield residents have the chance to influence events in their part of the Borough by attending a meeting of their local Community Forum.

All residents are invited to attend their local Forum, where any local issues can be raised. Dates of the next round of meetings are listed below:

HOLMEBROOK AND ROTHER
Tuesday, November 7 at 6.45pm
Parkside Community School, Boythorpe Avenue

BARROW HILL AND WHITTINGTON
Wednesday, November 8 at 7pm
Venue to be arranged

BRIMINGTON AND TAPTON
Wednesday, November 8 at 7pm
Brimington Junior School, Springvale Road

NEWBOLD AND BROCKWELL
Wednesday, November 8 at 7pm
The Town Hall

DUNSTON, MOOR AND ST. HELEN’S
Wednesday, November 15 at 7pm
Highfield Hall Primary School

STAVELEY
Thursday, November 23 at 7pm
The Parish Rooms, High Street

HASLAND AND ST. LEONARD’S
Thursday November 23 at 7pm
Derby Road Methodist Church, Jawbones Hill

WALTON AND WEST
Tuesday, November 28 at 7pm
Westfield Infants School, Vincent Crescent

Christmas coffee morning at the Town Hall

Chesterfield Town Hall will be decorated early for Christmas when the Mayor joins forces with Chesterfield Flower Lovers' Club to raise money for her Charity Appeal for the Pathways of Chesterfield Centre for the homeless at 55 Vicar Lane, Chesterfield.

The Mayor, Cllr Trudi Mulcaster and the Mayoress, Cllr June Brown, will host a Christmas Coffee Morning at the Town Hall on Friday, November 17, from 10.30am until 12 noon.

Stalls will offer a varied range of items suitable for Christmas gifts including jewellery and dried floral arrangements, and there will be a cake stall, tombola and a raffle.

The Mayoral Suite will be open to visitors, giving people the opportunity to view the civic treasures and insignia. The main reception rooms, including the Mayor's Parlour, will be decorated with special seasonal flower arrangements. 

"If you've never visited Chesterfield Town Hall before (or even if you have!), come to the Coffee Morning, see the civic treasures, admire all the beautiful Christmas floral decorations in their splendid settings - and raise money for my Appeal at the same time!" said the Mayor.

Admission is £1, which includes coffee/tea and biscuits. 

Further information about this event and the Mayor's Appeal in general can be obtained from Kay Pearson, the Mayoral/Civic Assistant, on 01246 345239.

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