RETAILORS MUST PLAY THEIR PART IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

1.30.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 13th Apr 2007

Local Lib Dem MEP Liz Lynne has today warned that efforts to encourage the use of low energy light bulbs face an uphill struggle because the bulbs too often look ugly in current light fittings.

Liz Lynne says that manufacturers need to recognise that people are not going to buy the bulbs if they believe they will the spoil the appearance of their homes.

The Liberal Democrat MEP is calling on major retailers to promote new designs that will promote the use of the bulbs, reduce electricity bills and help cut carbon emissions.

Speaking from Brussels today Liz commented;

"Compared to the traditional lightbulb, most of the energy efficient counterparts are just plain ugly. Manufacturers need to start thinking about new designs to flatter the new bulbs to encourage people to bring them into their homes."