"CONSERVATIVE'S CHINESE GRANITE IMPORTS MUST BE SCRAPPED": CLLR CHRISTINE STANFIELD

1.18.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 17th Jun 2008

“Conservative’s Chinese granite imports must be scrapped”: Cllr Christine Stanfield

Questions have been raised about Conservative plans to transport granite a distance of 5,000 miles for use in the redevelopment of St. George's Square in Huddersfield. The Conservative Cabinet plans to import granite from China, instead of sourcing a more local product.

Lib Dem Councillor Christine Stanfield (Lindley Ward) is calling on the Cabinet to rethink the plans. Cllr Stanfield has submitted a motion to Kirklees Council suggesting a more local product be used instead, in order to cut the carbon emissions associated with the scheme.

Speaking today, Cllr Stanfield said "This granite will have to travel 5,000 miles by freighter before reaching Huddersfield, releasing huge quantities CO2 into the atmosphere as a result. This decision must be reconsidered on environmental grounds.

"Materials used in Huddersfield should reflect both our local heritage and our commitment to the environment. The ink on the council's new green ambition statement has barely dried, yet the Conservative Cabinet is making purchasing decisions which will contribute to climate change.

"I hope the whole Council will back my call for this decision to be overturned, so that we can demonstrate to residents that we are serious about tackling climate change."