Local environmentalists were left stunned when Kingston's council executive refused to name and shame oil giants Esso despite effectively boycotting the company.

Campaigners wanted Esso, owned by ExxonMobil, to be singled out by the council because of insufficient investment in green fuels.

For legal reasons the Executive decided on a broader motion, boycotting oil companies with less than £300 million investment in renewable fuel research.

There will also be more work done by the council to establish a complete ethical and environmental policy.

Leader of the administration Councillor Roger Hayes said at Tuesday's meeting: "It is very clear that if we mention Esso specifically we would be using our powers to punish and penalise and we would be in serious risk of legal action.

"If we set a policy that says we will only purchase fuel from organisations that make a minimum investment of $500 million (£312 million), we would be covered legally."

Esso did not send a representative to the meeting.

Just two weeks ago, a lengthy debate took place between campaigners and the American oil giants at a recent Local Agenda 21 (LA21) meeting, the first of its kind between the battling groups.

After the meeting it was proposed that Esso be singled out and boycotted.

Penny Baker, LA21 representative for Kingston Friends of the Earth, said: "I didn't expect there to be any serious debate over this tonight. It is not about punishing Esso, it is about their refusal to invest in renewable energy."

An Esso spokesman said: "Esso shares the Executive's concerns associated with climate change. We have explained to the council that we view climate change as an important issue which needs to be taken seriously.

"That is why we believe action is needed and why we are taking real and positive action now."

July 8, 2002 09:30