ENVIRONMENTAL groups in Oxfordshire have urged local authorities to not return to 'business as usual' when lockdown ends.
The Oxfordshire Environment Board (OxEB), an alliance of eco organisations, called on Oxfordshire County Council and the two universities to work together to ensure a 'green recovery'.
Also read: Confirmed Covid-19 case at primary school in Oxford
The group pointed out that the pandemic has illustrated some of the environmental benefits that can be gained from changing the way people live and work.
These include reducing the impacts of transport, understanding the importance of local food and green spaces.
OxEB chair Jayne Manley, who is also chief executive of the Earth Trust based at Little Wittenham near Didcot, said: "We need to make sure that future development plans for the county put nature and environment at their heart, helping to reverse the recent dramatic decline in habitats, species and green spaces.
"This will require thinking differently about how investment is prioritised."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here