A host of local councillors have been criticised for not caring enough about climate change.
Local campaign group Hastings Environment Network (HEN) surveyed every member of Hastings Borough Council to ask them what they were doing to reduce their own carbon footprint.
However, despite climate change being a regular topic for discussion i
n the council chamber, only ten councillors bothered to reply.
That means that 22 councillors - more than 60 per cent - could either not find the time to complete the survey or were embarrassed by their likely response.
Of the ten who did, two were Tories, one LibDem and seven from Labour - including leader Jeremy Birch who replied on behalf of the party.
There are some high profile absentees from the list. Council leader Peter Pragnell and his deputy Matthew Beaver failed to respond as did fellow Tory Terrence Fawthrop - the head of the council's planning committee.
It was not just the Conservatives who faired badly. Local LibDem leader Richard Stevens was another who did not complete the simple questionnaire - despite his party being traditionally considered the most environmentally friendly of the big three.
The survey was sent out by HEN as part of a joint project with Hastings Urban Bikes (HUB). The people behind the survey have praised those councillors who did respond - most of whom seem to be taking serious steps toward reducing their carbon footprint.
Some said they have take to growing their own vegetables, using energy saving lightbulbs, buying local produce and reusing carrier bags.
Others said they were using public transport more, walking and cycling rather than using a car and recycling and composting more often.
Two of the councillors also said they had installed more loft insulation as a way of cutting energy bill.
However, the overall feeling from the organisers was one of frustration and disappointment.
Maresa Bossano, chairman of HEN, said: "We were very disappointed at the lack of response from many councillors. We feel it is vitally important councillors demonstrate leadership in this area in order to encourage members of the public, businesses and other local organisations to take action as well."
Nick Hanna, co-ordinator of HUB, agreed. He said "We were impressed by the replies from some councillors, who have clearly taken on board the issues around climate change and made significant efforts not just in their personal lives but also to move the agenda forward politically.
"However, a lot of councillors shirked the issue altogether and didn't reply at all: this is appalling, given the importance of meeting the challenges of climate change in every arena - particularly given that we live in a seaside community.
"They'll have to do much better next time."
Here is a list of those councillors who did complete the survey, and the areas they represent:
Matthew J Lock, Conservative, Silverhill.
Matthew Lock, Conservative, St Helens.
Susan Palmer, LibDem, Old Hastings.
Alan Roberts, Labour, Wishing Tree
Dominic Sabetian, Labour, Braybrooke.
Jeremy Birch, Labour, Central St Leonards.
Andrew Cartwright, Labour, Gensing.
Peter Chowney, Labour, Tressell.
Paul Silverson, Labour, Hollington.
Godfrey Daniel, Labour, Braybrooke.
