This Is Cheshire

Council's full-fat fleet

From the Guardian Series, first published Thursday 10th Mar 2005.

COOKING oil is to be used to power council vehicles following a successful three-year trial at Tatton Park.

Cheshire County Council said last week that it planned to use the bio-diesel fuel in its fleet of 250 vehicles.

"We were very impressed with the results," said environment strategic panel chairman Clr Steve Wilkinson.

For the past three years a tanker has regularly arrived in Knutsford with about 2,000 litres of bio-diesel fuel for Tatton's vans, pick-up trucks and 4x4s.

Staff soon noticed the distinct smell that the bio-diesel gave off, which some believed was the aroma of chips cooking.

"You will at times get a smell of cooking oil and you know it's something a bit different," said Brian Goulden, a forester at the estate. But he said it worked a treat. "We've found it's a lot better than normal fuels," he said.

"And we're not polluting the atmosphere to such a degree."

Bio-diesel - also known as E-diesel - is waste cooking oil that is taken from restaurants, pubs, canteens and food manufacturers. It is a biodegradable fuel - supplied by Northwich-based Ebony Solutions - that produces only minor emissions. The waste oil can be used in most engines and costs no more than normal diesel.

Cheshire County Council now plans to supply the fuel from its three transport depots in Chester, Winsford and Macclesfield.

Bio-diesel will be used in school buses, mobile libraries, countryside ranger cars and road maintenance vans and wagons. "The product is environmentally friendly, competitively priced and is just as effective and efficient," said Clr Wilkinson. "It is a fuel of the future."

For information about alternative fuels visit www.cheshirerenewables.org.uk/fuels or call Ebony Solutions on 01606 301222.

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