LOCAL businesses are being asked to face up to their environmental responsibilities as the 21st century approaches.

The move comes from Preston Borough Council as part of the Local Agenda 21 Initiative, a project which derived from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.

The council are inviting businesses to air their views on Sustainable Business - a new document produced by the Department of the Environment.

Helen Freeman, Preston Council's chief environmental health officer, said: "This is a good opportunity for businesses to reflect on the impact they have on the environment."

Businesses interested in the document can either telephone 0870 1226 236, or pick up a copy from Preston Town Hall's environmental health department.

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