I AM disappointed to see those who dislike change of any kind rallying behind the flag of inaction on the proposals for the North Selby Mine site.

It is vital that this city acts to reduce carbon emissions, as part of our contribution to reducing the human impact on climate change.

The proposal to create an anaerobic digestion plant on the disused mine site should therefore be welcomed if the applicant agrees to the following:

1. To protect the biodiversity of the area. Thirty years as a pit head site has brought huge biodiversity which would be lost if the site returned to agricultural use

2. To ensure all vehicles delivering waste are powered by biogas produced on site. This would ensure that the site really was a low-carbon exemplar.

3. To provide data on the performance of the site to inspire public confidence, via a public display board quantifying exactly how much power is being produced, how much CO2 emissions are being saved, and what other emissions are being produced.

4. To provide either: an annual grant or subsidy to the local communities from its operating profits.

Let’s stop hoping the 21st century will go away and instead engage with the opportunity to protect our world.

Christian Vassie, Blake Court, Wheldrake, York.