SOUTH Ribble's mayor could soon find himself leading the way in going green.

If trials in the borough prove successful, the area's first citizen could soon be driven around in a car powered by LPG - Liquid Petroleum Gas.

South Ribble Council's environmental health and control committee approved plans for a pool car to be bought, fuelled by LPG, which is 25 per cent cheaper than regular fuel.

If the trial with the car, to be used by council staff, proves successful, councillors have recommended that the mayor's car should also be converted to LPG.

At present he is driven around in a executive-style black Rover 600 series car.

A car can be adapted to take LPG and can continue to be fuelled by petrol as well, if the driver desires.

Councillors say it is important that they lead the way in making working practices more environmentally friendly.

South Ribble Council's John Dakin said: "LPG is more environmentally friendly and is potentially more economical than conventional vehicle fuels."

"We are suggesting that if this test with our pool car is successful then we should convert the mayor's car."

Current Mayor Jim Owen said: "It is important that we are seen to be leading the way on matters like this.

"Hopefully we will soon be able to boast that we are using LPG wherever possible." But Coun Jim Breakell said: "I'm sure it will work very well on the pool car, which will only be a few miles from the local LPG station.

"But what happens if the mayor's car runs out of fuel on a longer trip to somewhere like London?"

But Mr Dakin said: "There is an established supplier of LPG in Leyland and there are places all over the country. In emergencies, LPG cars can be adapted to take regular fuel."

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