Shirehall watchdogs have called for an investigation into why the county council has gone back to using fossil fuel for its electricity.

The switch, it is claimed, has been met with “astonishment and great concern” as the council is regarded as one of the top local authorities tackling climate change.

The economy and environment scrutiny panel heard on Thursday that the change had been made due to the cost of green electricity.

Now the council’s cabinet is being asked to investigate who made the decision and to revert to the use of “green” power immediately.

Panel chairman Alan Mosley said today the cost of using green electricity had risen, costing the authority £180,000 more.

“So an officer somewhere made the decision to switch back,” he said.

There was unanimous “astonishment and great concern” among panel members over the change.

“As far as I am concerned the council is sending out the entirely wrong message to the public,” said Councillor Mosley.

“We know that green electricity is going to cost more but we should be compensating for that by using less energy so that it does not impact on the council taxpayer.”

“The council should be exemplary over the way it is tackling climate change, setting an example to all individuals and organisations throughout Shropshire.”

The panel has received a report from a task group it set up to examine how the council is meeting the challenge of climate change and how it can give a lead to others.

The group put forward nearly 40 recommendations to improve the situation.

By Dave Morris