ISSUE SIX NO. 1, 1998
Welcome to the first edition of the Environment Matters in 1998. Since the last edition, the forum has submitted a response to the Government's Integrated Transport Policy consultation document, and has lobbied MPs in support of the of the road traffic reduction bill

It has raised the issue of current estimates (national and local) for increased housing requirements in the future with harrogate Borough council, continues to monitor planning applications with the environmental implications and is represented at green business support organisation meetings. The forum also heard presentations from the environment agency for north Yorkshire on it's areas of responsibility and enviroment policy targets, and from an Ecological Consultant on Biodversity action planning (see below)

Environment matters welcomes articles or letters from anyone living and working in the
Harrogate district (see back page for deadline and further details
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Harrogates own environment center (located above the Green House shop at 5 station parade) is now into its 2nd year of providing free advice on environmental matters to local people schools and businesses.

We have received around 300 enquiries, the most popular subjects being recycling, nature conservation energy efficiency and pollution , with a significant number of enquiries coming from schools and colleges. we held our first AGM in November 97 at which a membership scheme was launched to enable local people to support the centers work through annual subscription thus joining the growing numbers of local business sponsors.

Links have been forged with a large number of local secondary schools where speakers from the center have given talks or workshops. Speakers have also been in demand from youth groups such as guides & brownies and adult groups such as Wls & Rotary.		The centre's activities have been highlighted by regular exhibitions in local libraries , spots on stray FM's Helpline and articles in the local press.
Envirolink the centre's quarterly magazine (see article) has attracted contributions from a wide range of community organisations, and has been well recieved
The green Business Project helping local businesses to save energy reducing waste and 'green' their purchasing operations has been piloted with local financial advice firm Kingsmead profiles.
Links with the harrogate borough council have been cemented with the launch of last autumn of the Energy Efficiency Advice surgery. Held at the center on the last Thursday of each month, it is staffed by the councils own energy efficiency officer Lance Saxby . The lure of a free low- energy light bulb has encouraged a stream of interested inquiries!
The environment Agency , (the government pollution watchdog) has expressed interest in the centers activities and officers from the local area office visited us and offered their support and co-operation.
The new year bought new opening times, with a Saturday slot (11am to 2pm) to enable people to drop into the center who cant manage weekdays and this is proving a success.
If you would like to support the work of the center by becoming an individual member or corporate sponsor, or if you are looking for information on environmental matters , call into the center on Monday, wednesday or Friday afternoons (2 - 5pm) or Saturday morning 11am - 2pm) Alternatively you can phone or fax us on 01423 540290 or write to The Environment Center , 5 Station Parade Harrogate HG1 1UF