Lights Out for Climate Change
Wednesday 24th March
The lights on some of Bedford’s most historic
landmarks will be turned off this week to mark the Borough
Council’s commitment to tackling climate change.
At 8pm on Thursday 25th March, the Mayor of
Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, will turn off the spotlights
illuminating the bridge for 60 minutes in support of the WWF’s
Earth Hour taking place this weekend.
Lights will also be turned off that evening on
St Paul’s Church, the Bedford Tourist Information Centre as well as
the lights inside Town Hall. Some businesses on the High Street
will also be demonstrating their support by turning off their
lights for the evening too.
This comes during Bedford Borough Council’s
Sustainability Week which includes a series of presentations and
display stands in Borough Hall and Town Hall to encourage staff to
reduce the amount of energy they use.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said:
“Turning off lights in the town centre for one hour will not save
the world but it is a demonstration of our commitment to reducing
our carbon emissions in line with the 10:10 climate change
campaign. I am also delighted that businesses on the High Street
have agreed to be involved as well and show support for the
worldwide Earth Hour initiative.
“By doing this in conjunction with a week of
action involving staff at Borough Hall and Town Hall we are taking
real steps in our ongoing efforts to combat climate change and to
save local taxpayers’ money by cutting energy bills.”
Bedford Town Bridge is one of the borough’s
most recognisable landmarks and was built in 1813. The spotlights
illuminating the arches have been changed to different colours in
support of charities in the past but this will be the first time
they have been completely turned off in support of a cause.
Paul Dawson, Chair of Bedford Licensees and
manager of The Rose on Bedford High Street, will be turning off his
lights in support: “I am delighted to be able to get involved with
this opportunity to show Bedford is serious about doing something
to help the planet.
“The Rose will be joining the event and I have
urged other businesses in the town centre to do the same.”