East Hampshire District Council has announced a champion to “lead the fight” against climate change.

Alton councillor Ginny Boxall was appointed to the role at the council’s meeting on Thursday (September 19).

The Lib Dem councillor heads up the cross-party work to reduce the council’s impact on the environment. She will be supported by Cllr Russell Oppenheimer.

She has unofficially been championing climate issues on behalf of the council for months but has now been formally voted into the position.

Cllr Boxall said: “It is vital for future generations that we are fully focused on finding ways to reduce our carbon emissions as a matter of urgency.

“I am delighted to take up the role of Climate Champion for East Hampshire. I will be working with councillors of all political persuasions, staff from all departments and our many partners across the district to reduce our own emissions and promote climate and environment initiatives. I welcome the leader’s endorsement and the support of many of my fellow members who have stepped up to help.”

In July East Hampshire District Council announced a climate emergency and set out a list of environmental targets.

It will ensure “all council services” focus on “environmental issues as part of everyday decision-making”. The council will also “promote sustainable building standards” and “influence and collaborate with other public bodies to deliver the UK government Climate Change Act target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050”.