AN environmental scheme on a Burnley estate has been held up as a role model for the world at the Earth Summit in New York.

The project to create environmentally friendly communities in Lancashire was highlighted at the Summit by professor Graham Ashworth, chairman of Britain's biggest environmental campaign, Going For Green.

The pilot scheme in South West Burnley and Eccleston, near Chorley, is testing the campaign's Green Code guide to reducing environmental damage. Professor Ashworth, who attended the Summit as part of the UK government's delegation said Going For Green could be a model for the world.

In Burnley, the local estate management group has suggested many ideas for community projects including a garden and street care initiative following concerns about the state of the local area.

Plans, help and advice are available to residents to help clean up the estate.

A scheme is also in place to restore and re-use furniture and to recycle school uniforms and other clothing.

A "seat and bin'' project has also been developed with the help of youth and elderly groups to provide a seating area.

Professor Ashworth said: "It's fine for governments to make commitments to the environment but they should also take steps to involve and inform every one of their population in a more sustainable way of living.

"We believe that if everybody makes changes, however small, such as using their cars less, saving energy or recycling household waste, it would have an enormous and beneficial impact on the environment.''

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