AN HISTORIC Essex town has been set an environmental challenge to become greener and reduce its carbon emissions by 2020.The scheme aims to make Colchester an “icon in carbon reduction” and encourage its residents and businesses to recycle and conserve energy.

AN HISTORIC Essex town has been set an environmental challenge to become greener and reduce its carbon emissions by 2020.

The scheme aims to make Colchester an “icon in carbon reduction” and encourage its residents and businesses to recycle and conserve energy.

The challenge was launched last week as children from the town's Hamilton Primary School and members of Colchester Youth Theatre dressed up as “carbon emissions” and marched down the High Street with town mayor, Ray Gamble.

The youngsters wore black boxes representing the amount of carbon emissions which could be saved in a week through the use of energy efficient light bulbs.

Sam Apsley, of The Carbon Trust, which backed the event, said: “Climate change has been described as the greatest danger facing the earth today.

“A major contributor to this change is the emission of 'greenhouse gases' such as carbon dioxide and methane.”

The “Carbon Challenge” has been set by Colchester 2020 - an organisation trying to make the town a greener place - and Colchester Borough Council.

It aims to encourage residents, organisations and businesses to achieve a reduction in Colchester's carbon emissions during the next 12 years.

Peter Powell, lead partner for carbon reduction, said: “We want businesses and individuals to realise it is up to each of us to contribute to carbon reduction.

“We cannot rely on others and if others appear reluctant to help we must set an example.

“It means making several small changes which together can make a difference - and a difference to your bills as well.”

Colchester 2020's first assembly of the year will be held on Thursday at the United Reformed Church in Lion Walk at 9am, when carbon emissions and climate change will be on the agenda.

Dr Elizabeth Hall, chair of Colchester 2020, said: “Long before recycling and carbon emission reduction became household buzz words, my family were recycling our peelings and paper and composting them in our garden, bottles and tins sorted for collection and anything possible to be taken to the dump.

“My husband is a fanatical checker of our bins for recyclable waste and nags about turning off stand-by lights. We walk or cycle around Colchester when possible rather than use the car.”

More information about the Colchester 2020 assembly is available on 01206 282348.