A LEADING environmental pressure group has welcomed plans by Lancashire Police to go green.

The constabulary is planning to overhaul the way it looks at its usage of energy in a green strategy.

It is thought to be one of the first forces in the country to adopt a scheme aimed at making the force more environmentally friendly.

One of the main implementations will be to recycle rainwater for cleaning patrol vehicles.

Lancashire Constabulary, which spends around £2.7million a year on energy, water consumption, vehicle fuel and waste disposal, have admitted that implementing the project over the next two years could be costly but have stressed that going green is about more than saving cash.

The main aims of the scheme are to protect the environment, comply with environmental legislation and improve cost effectiveness.

MP Gordon Prentice hailed the scheme as forward thinking and today Friends of the Earth paid tribute to the scheme.

Bryony Worthington, energy and climate campaigner for Friends of the Earth, said: "Friends of the Earth praises Lancashire Constabulary for launching their green strategy.

"This is an excellent example of how individually and collectively we can all take action to help protect the environment. "Having implemented the excellent measures they describe we hope that they will be inspired to go even further, particularly in the field of energy, perhaps by signing up to a green electricity tariff and even considering the installation of their own small scale renewable energy equipment to create their own green power."

Police will be encouraged to collect rainwater from roofs for washing cars, told to use recycled paper, not buy CFC products, turn off lights when not in use, use electronic media instead of paper and recycle waste.

Civilian staff will be told to share car journeys to work or use public transport wherever possible and some will be encouraged to work from home where appropriate.

Other measures will include replacing kettles with fixed water heaters - which are more economical - and using long-lasting light bulbs.

An energy manger, whose task will be to develop energy efficiency, will be employed.

The report will be presented to the Property and Capital sub-committee of Lancashire Police Authority for consideration tomorrow.