COLCHESTER Council bosses have admitted there is “much more to do” to make Colchester a greener place after a report found it was lagging behind other towns in the UK.

Analysis of Government data by Migrate, an energy switch firm, showed the authority produces 4.28 tonnes of the greenhouse gas per capita every year.

It was calculated by measuring the carbon dioxide emissions of domestic, commercial and industrial properties across the borough.

The town was ranked at 129th overall - well below Ipswich which came 23rd and Southend which ranked in at 28th. Maldon, Tendring and Basildon also all performed better.

Earlier this year Colchester Council declared a climate emergency, which aims to spur the authority into urgent action to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint.

It included setting out a commitment to go carbon neutral by 2030.

A cross-party conservation and environmental group has also been set up and the council is building an innovative heating system as part of the Northern Gateway housing plan to reduce carbon emissions.

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  • Protestors hold a 'die in' outside a Colchester Council meeting

A spokesperson for Colchester Council said: “We fully recognise the threat CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions pose to the climate and of the urgent need to raise awareness and support the public to take effective action.

“The Migrate report provides only a partial view of the work the council is undertaking to reduce its environmental impact, which in addition to reducing its own CO2 emissions includes reducing waste, increasing recycling rates, improving air quality, creating new ecologically diverse environments and conserving existing biodiversity.

“The report places Colchester 15th out of 47 authorities in the eastern region, above places like Cambridge, Chelmsford, Thurrock and Braintree.

“Whilst Colchester was ranked 129th out of 389 local authorities – a position we expect will improve – it was still firmly in the top 35 per cent nationally.”

In 2017, three years ahead of schedule, the council cut its carbon emissions by 55 per cent compared to 2008.

Council leader Mark Cory added: “This year we have committed to a wide range of radical steps to tackle the pressing increases of pollution and the climate crisis we face.

“Look out for thousands of new trees planted, wild flower planting, community orchards, better cycling provision, and much more.

“We are still behind on congestion and air quality, and for that we need Essex County Council to step up and do their bit for Colchester. For decades, we have suffered from a poor road and transport network. We must work together to solve this big issue.

“The report shows we are doing better than other towns in Essex, but there is much more to do.”

To find out more about Migrate's report click here.