The Council is committed to making changes across all our services to play our part to tackle the Climate Emergency and it is one of the Council’s seven key priorities, as set out in our Stronger Futures plan.

The objectives that underpin this priority include:

• Reducing the carbon footprint of the Council

• Support the decarbonisation of energy, industry and business

• Improve sustainable transport and infrastructure

• Enable low carbon buildings, homes and development

• Enhancing green spaces

• Reduce waste and increase recycling

As an organisation we have a target to be carbon neutral by 2030 and are leading by example to help the borough to be carbon neutral by 2045.

Below are some examples of the work we’ve done so far to help achieve this

A bus passenger survey in England has shown an increase in satisfaction across Cheshire West and Chester.

On Monday 24 March, the second Enhanced Partnership Annual General Meeting took place, inviting local bus operators, the Department for Transport and stakeholders to discuss issues and opportunities relevant to the bus network.

An interim update on bus journey satisfaction was shared, highlighting that passengers in Cheshire West and Chester have said they are more satisfied with their journeys since last year.

Commissioned in January 2023, the Your Bus Journey passenger satisfaction survey from Transport Focus is one of the largest undertaken, including 39 local transport authority areas in England (outside of London), speaking to 41,000 passengers about their overall satisfaction with their journey. The final results have now been released by Transport Focus and confirm improvements have been made.

The borough’s final results are consistently above the national average (across participating Local Transport Authorities).

Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport, Councillor Louise Gittins said: “This is excellent news, as we continue to implement our Bus Service Improvement Plan. These results show that positive changes have been made.”

In 2024, overall bus journey satisfaction (% of fairly and very satisfied responses) across Cheshire West and Chester has risen to 87%, from 81% in 2023. This figure is 3% away from the Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan target of 90% by 2026/27.

The target of 90% would capitalise on the borough’s higher than average performance, and take it to amongst the highest recorded levels of performance in the country according to Transport Focus’ most recent Your Bus Journey survey.

Cllr Gittins added: “Increasing further towards a 92% target in 2029/30 would recapture some of the higher levels of performance recorded prior to the pandemic and represent a return to previous high levels of quality and service.”

Bus journey satisfaction can be further broken down into satisfaction metrics. In 2024, satisfaction with the bus stop where passengers caught the bus was 83%, compared to 80% in 2023.

The length of time waiting for the bus 79%, compared to 69% in 2023. Punctuality of bus at the stop 82%, compared to 72% in 2023.

Bus driver 91%, compared to 88% in 2023 and the length of time the journey on bus took 86%, compared to 84% in 2023.

Overall value for money for bus journeys across the borough in 2024 was 77%, compared to 73% in 2023.

Matt Davies, Managing Director, Stagecoach MCSL commented: “Stagecoach works with the Council as part of the Enhanced Partnership and we are delighted that our customer satisfaction score has improved along with the overall score for the Cheshire West area. These improvements demonstrate a real commitment from all involved to make bus travel a more enjoyable experience for the people of the area.”

A spokesperson for Arriva said: "Arriva is delighted with the results of the Your Bus Journey survey for Cheshire West & Chester. These findings highlight the success of the Enhanced Partnership, which has brought together operators and the local authority to improve bus services across the region.

"We are particularly pleased to see improvements in punctuality—an area we have been committed to enhancing.

"With further service improvements set to roll out later this year, we remain dedicated to delivering a reliable, efficient and customer-focused bus network for our passengers."

For more information please visit:

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/transport-and-roads/public-transport/bus-service-improvement-plan-for-cheshire-west-and-chester

The North West is building the workforce of the future, ensuring workers and businesses are equipped to support the clean energy transition, and associated opportunities in industry and advanced manufacturing.

To support this, Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington (ECW) and Cheshire West and Chester Council have appointed a specialist team to develop a North West Skills Mapping Plan, ensuring that training and skills development match the demands of these growing industries.

With major energy and industrial projects already underway in the area, this initiative will provide clear pathways into high-quality, future-proof jobs, reinforcing the North West’s position as the UK’s leading region for industrial transformation.

The project, funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Office for Clean Energy Jobs, will identify workforce and skills needs in support of the clean energy transition, align training with employer demand, and support businesses in accessing the talent they need to remain competitive.

Specialist consultancy Opergy has been appointed to lead the Skills Mapping Plan, while Cogent Skills will conduct a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) with a sample of local Energy Intensive businesses to ensure training and skills provision directly address industry requirements.

Preparing for the Jobs of the Future

The announcement comes during National Careers Week, a moment when organisations across the UK are focusing on building career pathways for the next generation.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, added:

"This initiative is about securing long-term career opportunities for people across the North West. By investing in skills and workforce planning, we are helping local people access well-paid, sustainable jobs in industries that will define our economy for decades to come."

Philip Cox, Chief Executive of Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington, said:

"The North West is home to some of the UK’s most significant industrial and energy investments, creating thousands of new, highly skilled jobs. The challenge now is ensuring that we have the right workforce to meet this demand. This Skills Mapping Plan will provide the intelligence and strategic direction to connect people with the jobs of the future and keep our region at the forefront of industrial transformation."

The North West at the Heart of Industrial Transformation

The North West is leading the UK’s shift towards new energy and industrial technologies, with major projects driving growth and investment:

⚡️ HyNet North West – A flagship project for hydrogen production, transport, storage, and utilisation. HyNet will supply low-carbon hydrogen to the UK’s largest manufacturing and chemical production hub, spanning Cheshire and Warrington, North Wales, Liverpool City Region, Manchester, and Lancashire.

🏭 EET Fuels and EET Hydrogen – Located in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire West and Chester, EET is developing one of the world’s first large-scale, low-carbon hydrogen production hubs. With a goal to reach 4,000 MW by 2030, EET’s HPP1 and HPP2 at Stanlow Terminals Refinery are integral to the UK Government’s hydrogen strategy.

🔋 INEOS Inovyn Hydrogen Storage – Transforming the Keuper Gas Storage Project (KGSP) in Northwich, Cheshire, from natural gas storage to 1,300 GWh of underground hydrogen storage, reinforcing the region’s role in hydrogen infrastructure.

🔥 Encirc Hydrogen-Powered Glass Manufacturing – Encirc plans to use low carbon Hydrogen and renewable electricity to power its furnaces from 2030. This will help to debarbonise the two billion bottles it produces at its Cheshire plant each year.

Encirc factory in Cheshire

Industry and Workforce Alignment for Long-Term Growth

The North West Industrial Cluster, backed by Net Zero North West (NZNW), is delivering £30 billion in near-term investable projects, safeguarding and creating 34,500 jobs, and cutting 17 million tonnes of CO₂ from industry.

Jane Gaston, CEO of Net Zero North West, commented:

"The North West is leading the UK’s industrial transformation, and a skilled workforce is essential to delivering this vision. With £30 billion of investable projects, we are not only protecting existing jobs but creating thousands of new ones in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and clean energy. This Skills Mapping Plan will ensure that workers and businesses have the right support to seize these opportunities."

Delivering Workforce Insights and Training Solutions

Opergy, specialists in workforce intelligence and industrial transformation, will lead the Skills Mapping Plan, ensuring that regional workforce trends, industry demand, and future skills needs are fully understood.

Johnathan Reynolds, Managing Director of Opergy, said:

"As industries across the North West evolve, so too must our workforce. This project will provide a clear roadmap for skills development, ensuring that businesses can access the talent they need and people can transition into high-quality jobs in industrial and energy sectors."

Cogent Skills will deliver the Training Needs Analysis, engaging directly with employers to identify workforce challenges, skills gaps, and training priorities.

Justine Fosh, CEO of Cogent Skills, added:

"This project will ensure that skills training is aligned with employer needs, helping to future-proof jobs and industries across the North West. By working with businesses, training providers, and policymakers, we can build a resilient, high-skilled workforce for the future."

The North West Skills Mapping Plan will involve detailed workforce analysis, employer engagement, and data-driven recommendations, with findings expected to be published by mid-2025.

National Careers Week takes place between 3 – 8 March 2025 and provides an opportunity to explore the growing career paths within the green sector. With a national commitment by the Government to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the demand for skilled professionals in sustainable industries is rapidly increasing. In west Cheshire, local initiatives and educational organisations are at the forefront of this green revolution, offering a range of opportunities for those eager to get involved in this exciting sector and play their part to help the area achieve its net zero goals and support the reindustrialisation of the North.

Playing your part to help deliver the borough’s Climate Emergency Response Plan

In 2019, Cheshire West and Chester Council unanimously declared a climate emergency and worked with a range of partners, climate experts, community groups and businesses to understand the challenges and opportunities this could bring to the area. The Climate Emergency Response Plan for the borough outlines a comprehensive strategy to become a net-zero borough by 2045. This ambitious plan emphasises the necessity for a local workforce skilled in green technologies and sustainable practices.

ORIGIN, located in the Ellesmere Port area of the borough, is one of the most important industrial and employment clusters in the UK, supporting 1,300 businesses and creating employment for 24,100 people. ORIGIN is at the forefront of advanced plans to respond to the Climate Emergency through several transformational projects with many job opportunities for local people. of nearly £500 million building a new production plant in Ellesmere Port.

More details about the plan can be found on our website: www.westcheshireclimateplan.co.uk/

Regional Skills Pilot in Cheshire West and Chester

In January 2025, Cheshire West and Chester has been selected as one of four regions to launch the Government's Regional Skills Pilot. This initiative aims to support workers transitioning from carbon-intensive industries to the growing clean energy sector. The pilot includes the development of an Energy Skills Passport portal, enabling workers to identify necessary qualifications for specific roles, thereby facilitating a smoother transition into renewable energy careers. Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington is delivering the pilot project locally, working in partnership with the North West Net Zero Hub, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Net Zero North West.

Find out more information about the project

Educational pathways in green industries

Several local organisations offer a range of courses designed to provide students with the skills required in the green sector.

Cheshire College – South & West: At the Ellesmere Port campus, the college has invested £680,000 in an on-site sustainable house. This facility provides students with hands-on experience in sustainable construction and renewable energy technologies, addressing the skills gap in eco-friendly building practices.
Watch a video about the on-site sustainable home and the training offered there.

Reaseheath College: Known for its land-based courses, Reaseheath offers programs in Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Conservation, and Horticulture, among others. These courses blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for careers in a range of areas including, environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management.

TTE Technical Training Group: Specialising in technical training, TTE provides industry-focused programmes and apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing. Their courses are tailored to meet the evolving demands of the green sector, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for roles in sustainable industries.

The University of Chester: Many of the courses on offer at our local university include a focus on sustainability. Students and staff at the university have been involved in industrial decarbonisation research (Chester Business School), conservation of endangered species (School of Natural Sciences), and advanced and sustainable engineering covering renewable energy (School of Computer and Engineering Sciences).

Read about the University's recent research day which focused on sustainability.

Career opportunities with HyNet

HyNet North West is a pioneering project aimed at transforming the region's energy landscape by producing, transporting, and storing low-carbon hydrogen, as well as capturing carbon dioxide emissions. By 2035, HyNet is projected to generate around 75,000 jobs across the UK, spanning construction, engineering, project management, and more. This provides a great opportunity for local people to be part of a world-leading project using cutting-edge technology to combat climate change

Keep up-to-date with job opportunities at Hynet.

Embracing a green career

As industries are adapting their businesses to meet evolving environmental and social standards, professionals with expertise in sustainability are increasingly in demand. This is an exciting time to get involved in these sustainable and green roles. By doing so you could play your part in helping the borough to reach its net zero goal.

Share your story into a green career

If you are involved in an organisation that offers training, apprenticeships or roles in the sustainable or green sector and would like to share any success stories, you can add your story to the ‘your story’ section of the Climate Emergency Inspire Hub.

Other resources

WWF - Sustainable Futures: A free careers programme for secondary schools and colleges

National Careers Service - Explore Green Careers

STEM Learning - Green Careers

Cheshire West and Chester Council is promoting Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean campaign and the Your Streets team has organised litter picking events across the borough.

The Great British Spring Clean and Great Big School Clean 2025 will take place from 21 March to 6 April, and you can pledge to pick up a bag of litter – or more – right now.

Members of the Council's Your Streets Team

Community litter pick events will be held in the following locations between 12 noon and 2pm. Everyone is welcome and equipment will be provided:

• Tuesday, 25 March - Sycamore Park, Lache
• Thursday, 27 March - Festival Park, Ellesmere Port
• Friday 28 March – Brook Street Car Park, Neston
• Tuesday, 1 April - Winsford Marina Car Park
• Thursday, 3rd April - Castle Park Car Park, Frodsham

The Council’s Your Streets team also has a toolkit available for individuals and groups of up to 30 volunteers to arrange clean-up events in their own communities.

The toolkit, which is available throughout the year not just during the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, includes litter-picking grabbers, bags and full instructions for the collection of filled bags.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Pride, Councillor Stuart Bingham said: “It’s wonderful that so many groups and individuals have already organised litter-picking events and clean-ups in their communities to join this campaign.

“I’m pleased we are able to promote the use of the toolkit through our Your Streets initiative to help individuals and groups make a difference in their area. I’m looking forward to hearing about the results achieved across the borough at our community events.

“Litter-picking is a simple activity that can really make a huge difference where you live. Our teams work hard every day and are doing all they can to keep the borough clean and looking beautiful, but we really value the contribution of volunteers during the Great British Spring Clean as well as through the rest of the year. Thank you to everyone who plays their part across the borough. We can all be #LitterHeroes!”

You can pledge your support for the Keep Britain Tidy campaign on their website.

If you would like to tell us about a litter pick in your local community or speak to our team to see how they can support, please email: YourStreets@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

Keep Britain Tidy’s website states that litter-picking is a simple action that anyone can do to make an immediate and visible difference to the environment where we live, work and play. In fact 97% of people surveyed after 2024's campaign agreed they felt they had made a difference to their local area, and 86% said they felt part of a national movement that is taking action to tackle litter.

Last year, an army of amazing #LitterHeroes pledged to pick more than 425,000 bags of litter!

ENDS

Full link to pledge site:

https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean

Link to Your Streets information:

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/your-streets/campaigns-and-news/love-your-streets-campaign.aspx

World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on 2 February and provides an opportunity to highlight the crucial importance of these unique ecosystems. Wetlands encompass a diverse range of environments from marshes and swamps to bogs and meres and mosses. They are vitally important to communities around the world and provide a wealth of benefits to both people and the planet.

Why wetlands matter

• Biodiversity hotspots: Wetlands are incredibly rich in biodiversity, supporting a vast array of plant and animal life. They serve as vital habitats for numerous species, many of which are endangered.
• Water purification: Wetlands act as natural filters, purifying water by removing pollutants and improving water quality.
• Flood control: Wetlands play a crucial role in mitigating floods by absorbing excess water and reducing the impact of extreme weather events.
• Climate change mitigation: Wetlands are significant carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change.
• Food security: For many communities around the world wetlands provide essential resources for food production, including fish, shellfish, and rice.
• Recreation and tourism: They also offer opportunities for recreation and tourism, such as birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking, contributing to local economies.

Local action

The Council works with landowners across west Cheshire as the habitat delivery body for Natural England's great crested newt strategic licensing scheme, known as District Level Licensing (DLL).

Under DLL, developers pay a conservation payment, which is then used to create or restore new ponds in strategic areas within the borough. The ponds are secured, monitored, and managed for 25 years – all funded by the developers.

Since the scheme started in 2018, the Council has created over 170 ponds, including 15 in the last year. The Council’s Total Environment Team continue to monitor these, ensuring they remain healthy and thriving habitats.

Increasing the number of functional ponds within the borough helps to provide a more coherent ‘steppingstone’ mosaic of wetland habitat. The aim of the scheme is to improve great crested newt population numbers to prevent further decline. The ponds are also of benefit to a whole host of local wildlife and can help with flood management.

Cheshire and Warrington’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy has a goal to address the crises we face in the natural world, with an aim of the partnership to create a more resilient natural environment for the benefit of wildlife and people by maintaining, conserving, restoring and reconnecting wildlife-rich space. This includes wetlands in the area and you can read more about some of the projects taking place locally including at Delamere’s meres and mosses and plans for the Chester Wetland project. Read more on the Cheshire Local Nature Partnership website: Nature Based Solutions - Cheshire Local Nature Partnership

Supporting World Wetlands Day

• Learn more: Increase your knowledge about wetlands and their importance.
• Visit a wetland: Explore local wetlands, such as the RSPB Burton Mere Wetland to see some fantastic wildlife on your doorstep.
• Create a mini wetland in your garden: Even small actions can make a difference. Introducing a pond to your garden, however small, can create a valuable habitat for wildlife. You can find helpful tips and guidance on creating a pond in your garden on the Wildlife Trust’s website.

A special oak tree has been planted at The Countess of Chester Country Park as part of The Mersey Forest's Oaks at 80 project, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The Oaks at 80 project aims to honour the service men, women and civilians who played their part in defending our country and way of life during the war.

Taking place throughout 2025, 80 years since the end of the Second World War, the project encourages communities across the region to plant oak trees, creating a lasting commemoration that will benefit the environment for generations to come.

Oak trees, symbolise strength, resilience, and longevity, and have traditionally marked 80-year milestones, making them a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made during this period.

The oak tree at The Countess of Chester Country Park, was planted near to the Fallen for the Fallen Bench, a carved bench set within the country park which is at the end of a three-kilometre trail commemorating the soldiers who lived in the area and lost their lives during the First World War. The tree was kindly donated and planted by the Life for a Life Memorial Forest charity, which has a site within the park.

The Friends of the Countess of Chester Country Park, who organised the event, welcomed representatives from Life for a Life Memorial Forest, The Mersey Forest, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), The Land Trust, SSAFA, RECORD, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, the NHS, local councillors, the Swettenham Foundation and members of the 22 Multi-role Medical Regiment based at the nearby Dale Barracks and the local community for the planting on Friday, 24 January 2025.


Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest, said: “Planting an oak tree in this popular park in Chester will serve as a fitting reminder of those who gave their lives for our freedom during the Second World War. We’d like to thank Lieutenant Colonel John Greener from the 22 Multi-role Medical Regiment and the Friends of The Countess of Chester Park group for setting up the event and helping us to plant the tree. We can’t wait to see more added to communities across the area over the course of the year.”

Andy Scargill, the Chair of the Friends group said that, “Attending the launch of Oaks at 80 at Calderstones Park in November last year inspired us to want to plant an Oak in our own park and siting it near to the Fallen for the Fallen memorial bench seemed an obvious choice of location. We would like to especially thank Life for a Life Memorial Forest for, not only donating a tree, but also planting it for us.”

Lieutenant Colonel John Greener from the 22 Multi-Role Medical Regiment, said: “It was an enormous honour being invited to plant the commemorative oak tree and unveil the plaque for the Oaks at 80 project. 22 Multi-Role Medical Regiment’s antecedent units were heavily involved throughout the war; in the Middle East; Italy; and North West Europe. Being able to participate in events like this, continues to deepen our ties with the local community and we’re grateful to be invited to take part.”

Individuals, schools, and community groups in Cheshire and Merseyside are invited to participate in the Oaks at 80 project by planting oaks in their own communities. They can do so by growing oaks from seed or by getting in touch with The Mersey Forest to source a tree on their behalf. Email: mail@merseyforest.org.uk for more information.

To learn more about the Oaks at 80 project, please visit The Mersey Forest website.

There are just a few weeks left for residents and businesses to have their say on the borough's draft Climate Emergency Response Plan for 2025-2030. The consultation, which began at the end of November will close at midnight on Wednesday, 12 February, 2025.

This crucial plan will guide the borough's efforts to achieve net zero by 2045 and outlines key actions for the Council, partners, and communities across six key themes: Business and Industry, Transport, Housing, Energy, Land Use and Adaptation, and Waste and the Circular Economy.

The draft plan builds upon previous engagement with communities to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the borough as it strives for a greener, healthier, and more resilient future. It follows the Council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2019 and represents the second such plan for the area.

Councillor Louise Gittins is urging residents to participate: “This is your chance to have your say on the proposed plan and help us reach our climate goals over the next five years. The draft plan includes clear actions that we can all work on together to help us reach net zero and create a sustainable borough with greener communities. You can have your say on one or two topics that are important to you in the plan or provide feedback on all of it.”

Residents, businesses, and partners are encouraged to complete the consultation online via the Council’s engagement platform, Participate Now: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/climateplanconsultation. The consultation includes a series of questions on different elements of the Climate Plan.

Paper copies of the consultation are also available upon request by emailing climatechange@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

The consultation closes at midnight on Wednesday, 12 February 2025.