MIDDLEWICH woman Janet Clegg is a leader in a 'green' field who is urging people throughout the town to follow in her footsteps.

For she is hoping Middlewich residents will join a "Global Action Plan" which means they will take action in their own homes to save energy, reduce waste and save water.

Janet, of Erdswick Road, said: "We want local people to take action in their own homes. We need people to sign up so we can develop a network of trained volunteers who will look at ways of protecting the environment and saving money through water, transport, shopping, energy and waste."

The Global Action Plan is an international charity which was set up in 1992. Families who join receive environmental tips which can knock 10 per cent off their fuel bills, reduce household waste by 30 per cent and cut water consumption by 16 per cent.

Around 10,000 households throughout Britain are already taking action with the plan with many community and volunteer groups also becoming involved.

Janet became involved with the plan through her work as Environmental Quality Officer for Congleton Borough Council.

She continued: "This is a new area for me - I have been doing this job for around four months. I am very pleased with it. I was re-deployed from the licensing department.

"My job is very much community based - I like working with people, on the front-line instead of being in the back room of accounts."

Through her work, Janet deals with a number of issues including the "Local Agenda 21" which also highlights environmental action people can take in their own homes.

Middlewich people who are interested in joining the plan, which costs £5, are invited to a meeting on Tuesday, October 15, at the Wheatsheaf Hotel, Hightown, Sandbach, at 7.30pm.

Foiling environmental problems! Janet Clegg demonstrates a tip on how to save on bills - by reflecting heat back inside the house. Photo No JN652-3.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.