A SOUTH Cumbrian town is taking the first steps on the road to eliminating its carbon footprint.

Ambleside to Zero – a sub-group of Ambleside Action for a Future – is working with Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS) - to prepare and produce a detailed, costed programme for a pilot to reduce or eliminate its carbon footprint between 2020 and 2030.

The work will include dedicated expert advice and support from CAfS, initial feasibility work on projects and assessing any training and skills development that is required.

CAfS will also develop a system for transferring lessons learned in Ambleside to other communities in South Lakeland.

Last year South Lakeland District Council granted around £50,000 to CAfS to fund projects to help communities, individuals and businesses in the district become more energy efficient by reducing carbon emissions.

Speaking at a meeting in Ambleside to launch the project, Cllr Dyan Jones, SLDC’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Emergency and Localism, said: “Wise and prudent spending at SLDC means we are able to support CAfS and the superb work they do with communities and businesses here in South Lakes.

"SLDC was the first district authority in the county to declare a climate emergency and subsequently a carefully constructed Climate Change Policy was created and adopted by SLDC.

"I am delighted to endorse a group which is committed to do what they can to combat climate emergency."

Rhona Pringle, of CAfS, said: “We congratulate the community in Ambleside for having the ambition to transition to a low carbon future. It is a rare opportunity for a community to have access to this type of support over a sustained period.”

Gillian Kelly, who initiated AAFAF, said: “Ambleside Action For A Future is delighted to have the active support of CAfS in the person of Rhona Pringle. Her input will be invaluable to a group of people who, although passionate about making a difference, have not been in this territory before and lack her considerable experience and knowledge of everything from sources of information to sources of funding. We feel fortunate indeed to have this opportunity to work with her as well as the backing of SLDC.”