Stafford residents go green to scoop two national awards

Two community projects started by Stafford Borough Council have scooped national environmental awards.

The 'Derrington - Way Ahead' low carbon

community project has won a Green Apple for the third time. The village

is no stranger to success having also bagged a national Future Friendly

Award recently.

And Derrington has again been joined in the

award-winning stakes by the Penkside Project in Stafford which has

netted its second Green Apple for community initiatives - which included

putting solar panels on the church roof (pictured), introducing cycle parking in a number of locations and energy efficiency work for local residents and businesses.

Highlights for the judges running the rule

over Derrington included 250 bird and bat boxes made by residents,

gateway signs to the village promoting it as an eco-friendly location,

and the creation of a 'Village Trail'- panels that guide walkers around

focussing on local topics and features.

The Green Apple Awards began in 1994 and have

become established as the nation's major recognition for environmental

schemes. The borough projects competed against more than 500 other

nominations throughout the country and will be presented with their

awards at the House of Commons on 12 November.

Judges are drawn from the Environment Agency,

the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered

Institution for Wastes Management and other independent bodies.

Councillor Frank Finlay, cabinet member for

environment and health, said: "It is always pleasing to see projects we

have introduced and nurtured receive national acclaim. These initiatives

are aimed at improving the community for local people - and both have

local people and volunteers at their heart.

"I hope all involved will feel very proud of their efforts in achieving these awards." 

Both projects continue to be supported by the

borough council in conjunction with other public sector, voluntary and

community organisations.

For more information about the award winning projects and other sustainable initiatives go to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sd