Kettering Council's executive committee last night approved a series of targets to become more environmentally friendly which are set to be rubber-stamped at a full council meeting next month.

The corporate plan also aims to encourage retail growth in Kettering town centre and make it an attractive area for shoppers.

New council leader Jim Hakewill said: "I think the most important aspect for our council, and any council, is creating a sustainable environment so our children and grandchildren have something to be proud of."

The council is set to lead the way in securing a greener future by looking into using more environmentally friendly vehicles as part of their fleet.

Cllr Hakewill said the council already had some vehicles that run on LPG gas, as does his private car.

The authority will also encourage the public to be green by promoting grants for people who install systems such as wind turbines on their homes.

The green proposals aim to:
*reduce the council's carbon footprint
*enable others to be environmentally friendly
*improve bio-diversity
*expand efficiency of recycling and waste management
*develop greener infrastructure.

Other key priorities for the coming year will be making the borough a cleaner and safer place to live.

Cllr Hakewill said: "We will work with the police, fire service, health and other partners to not only make the borough safer but feel safer."