A TOURISM leader has offered to take York's businesses towards a greener city.

Anthony Dee, operations manager with Guide Friday which runs bus tours through York, has offered to set up an energy forum for businesses aiming to slash emissions long term.

It would continue the work of PlanetYork, which aims to make York the UK's most energy efficient city, after the year-long project ends.

"PlanetYork is a great campaign, but I would like to see something put in place that will keep energy-efficiency on the agenda for businesses into the future," he said.

"I am happy to be instrumental in setting up an energy forum for business."

Guide Friday runs two-thirds of its fleet on environmentally-friendly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and it intends to convert the rest.

Mr Dee said: "It is important that businesses realise the impact they have on the environment.

"We have always been very aware that transport is a problematic area and we appreciate the environmental benefits of doing all we can to minimise the impact our vehicles have.

"LPG reduces harmful emissions, but incentives need to be improved so that it is taken up by more people."

He said the Energy Saving Trust, which is involved in PlanetYork, gave cash aid for Guide Friday to convert some of its vehicles.

He said the company would also be offering staff-awareness training for staff to increase knowledge about energy-efficiency.

Laura Collins, PlanetYork's campaign manager, said: "It's great to have such a high-profile business on board and we welcome Guide Friday's enthusiasm in promoting energy efficiency."

Anybody interested in becoming part of an energy forum is asked to phone Mr Dee on 01904 640896.

Meanwhile, a cash windfall of £150 has been offered to York residents installing high-efficiency boilers.

As part of the PlanetYork campaign, Northern and Electric Gas is offering the money off the first 500 efficient boilers.

The boilers can save up to another £130 from the average household's energy bills.

For more information phone 0191 2332520, or visit www.planetyork.co.uk/boiler

Updated: 11:10 Friday, March 22, 2002