THIS week will be the last opportunity readers of the Bridgwater Mercury will have to encourage our MP Ian Liddell-Granger to vote for two private members' bills, with cross-party support, that would pave the way for a significant boost to our local economy and enable local authorities to act seriously in tackling causes of greenhouse gas emissions.

These bills are both due for a second reading in the House of Commons, on Friday January 19. Over the past year, our MP has spoken of the need to boost our local economy and his party on the need for policies to tackle climate change: he now has an opportunity to take action on those wishes, but may need some encouragement.

The Sustainable Communities Bill (EDM 468) would require national and local authorities to implement an action plan to promote local services and economic activity reducing transport miles, as well as protecting the environment, social justice and promote greater political involvement. The bill would also enable councils and local communities to directly influence government policy and spending on these issues.

The Local Planning Authorities: Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill (EDM 471) would tackle a loophole in planning law, whereby planning authorities are prevented from setting higher energy efficiency standards than those required in building regulations.

Energy efficiency, is the easiest and cheapest way to reduce carbon emissions and the present absurd situation, allows for the development and alteration of houses and business premises in a way that is totally inappropriate to the future lifetime of the buildings and their economic viability.

I would encourage readers to take this small step for our future benefit and to write immediately to our MP at 16 Northgate, or you can send a message through www.writetothem.com. and ask that he pledge to attend the house on January 19 and vote for the bills.

Charles Graham Stawell House Stawell