Climate Emergency

Cheshire West and Chester Council has announced a large number of environmental projects, initiated by local councillors, will make a difference to communities across the borough.

The Council introduced the Neighbourhood Pride Scheme (NPS) specifically for councillors to propose small to medium environmental improvement projects within their wards.

Last year, all ward members were allocated a share of £450K to spend on environmental projects in their ward. This equated to each member having £6,400 to utilise for projects, with money having to be allocated to a project and spent within the financial year, by the end of March 2023.

Council officers liaised with councillors to identify environmental projects within their ward and a grand total of 246 costed and feasible projects have now been approved. Work has already started on some projects helping to improve the environment in neighbourhoods across Cheshire West and Chester.

Examples of projects include:

• Supporting town and parish councils to purchase equipment to help maintain their areas.
• Installation of new benches
• Installation of Smiley SIDs (Speed Indicator Devices)
• Pond restoration
• Grass verge reinstatement
• Footpath resurfacing

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: “I’m delighted to announce that hundreds of schemes will take be taking place in the coming weeks to show the environment some love in communities across the borough. Sometimes, it’s the little things that can make all the difference – from transforming a village pond, to ensuring a footpath is resurfaced for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors.

“Our Your Streets team will be working with local ward members, volunteers and community groups to make these projects happen. I’m looking forward to seeing all the end results.”

Spring is almost here and Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Wildflower and Grasslands Strategy, that saw the creation of beautiful native wildflower meadows across the borough will continue to be delivered this year.

There were over 130 mini wildflower meadows, which means around 32,000 square metres of wildlife habitat was created.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency, Councillor Matt Bryan said: “After dark and cold January, this really gives us all something to look forward to in the warmer months. Last year’s displays were incredibly beautiful, as well as giving pollinators, like bees, a much-needed boost.

“We received many marvellous compliments and comments from residents, who saw the meadows in their communities and appreciated the hard work of the teams who created them.

“In one area, near to the A41, where previously there had been no wildlife, we were pleased to see a family of voles had settled in, thanks to the wildflower planting.”

Councillors worked with their communities to decide on the locations for the native wildflower meadows and officers from StreetCare and the Your Streets teams created them.

Training was also given to seven parish council and ‘Friends of’ groups to create and sustainably manage wildflowers in their wards.

As part of the project the Council also entered into a partnership with Chester Zoo and various other environmental bodies to help deliver the Zoo’s Nature Recovery Corridor project.

A successful funding application to the Green Recovery Challenge Fund via the partnership with Chester Zoo resulted in the Council receiving £50,000 for machinery to help deliver its Wildflower and Grasslands strategy. This enabled the purchase of a tractor and stone burier for seed sowing.

Councillor Bryan added: “Phase two of the project is on the way and will see even more meadows appearing in all parts of the borough. I’m really looking forward to seeing bigger, even better results for our Wildflower and Grasslands Strategy this summer.”

All existing and phase two meadows are now being data mapped into a Geographic Information System and later this year the information will be available on the Council’s website.

A video is also available on the Council’s YouTube channel.

When you treat your loved one on Valentine's Day, earn some extra brownie points by opting for more sustainable gifts - show how much you care about them, and the environment.

Last year, Brits were predicted to have spent approximately £1.37 billion on Valentine’s Day, up from £926 million in 2021. However, non-recyclable/single use items, such as, glittery cards, helium balloons, and plastic packaging from chocolate boxes, will hang around long after we finish celebrating, contributing to the climate crisis.

This year, why not choose an eco-friendly option?

Cards
Instead of buying a glittery card that can't be recycled, have some fun making your own personalised card using recycled materials - reuse the cardboard from any boxes left over from online shopping, and take some clippings from magazines or newspapers to create something unique. If you're not the crafty type, and would prefer to buy a card, choose one made from recycled materials or make sure your choice can be recycled.

Flowers
According to the British Florist Association, 80 per cent of fresh cut flowers are transported to the UK from the Netherlands, although a large proportion of them originate in Kenya. You can help cut carbon emissions by buying a pot plant, planting seeds, or planting a seedling - as it grows, it will hold special memories for both of you. If you can't resist cut flowers, ask your local florist whether they stock British-grown, organic flowers. Opt for compostable/recyclable packaging or, better still, take your own vase to the florist.

Chocolates
Many of us enjoy giving and receiving chocolates. Choose a sustainable and ethical chocolate brand - one that ensures its cocoa growers and farmers get a fair deal. Many of these brands produce chocolate either without the use of palm oil, or use sustainable sources of palm oil to reduce the threat to forests and wildlife, particularly in parts of South East Asia. Look out for the Fairtrade symbol on packaging or visit the Fairtrade website to read their guide to buying chocolate. Chocolates sold in recycled/recyclable packaging, as opposed to plastic packaging, is far better for the environment too. Alternatively, be adventurous and add a personal touch by making your own chocolate truffles, or other baked goods at home.

Avoid novelty gifts
Reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding novelty gifts that serve no practical purpose. There are more eco-friendly options available, such as, donating to a charity that seeks to protect the environment, or adopting an animal instead – you can adopt an otter with the Cheshire Wildlife Trust for £25.

Eating in/out
Consider buying some local, organic ingredients and cooking up a feast at home. But if cooking isn't one of your strong points or you'd like a break from it, take a stroll down to your favourite local restaurant. You might be feeling adventurous enough to try a vegan meal, which will also help to cut your carbon footprint.

Travel/hotels
A change of scenery is always nice. Consider taking an outdoor adventure closer to home rather than travelling miles to have an overnight hotel stay. Most of us are often so busy that we don't have time to explore our own local area. There's likely to be many hidden gems that you don't know about, and you'll be keeping your carbon emissions to a minimum, with the added bonus of saving money.

For more ideas on sustainable living, click here.

Sources
https://theindustry.beauty/valentines-day-spending-increases-in-2022/
https://www.finder.com/uk/valentines-day-statistics
https://www.mastercard.com/news/europe/en-uk/newsroom/press-releases/en-gb/2019/february/you-can-t-hurry-love-especially-when-it-comes-to-valentine-s-day-shopping/
https://www.bbc.com/future/bespoke/made-on-earth/the-new-roots-of-the-flower-trade/
https://www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/naturegifts

Every effort has been made to ensure the information used in this article is accurate. All information used to inform the article has been taken from reputable sources, and those sources are given at the end of each article.

We are aware, however, that data will change over time and that some information across the internet and printed matter can be contradictory.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is asking for views on electric vehicle charging in the borough.

A public consultation on the Council’s draft Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy launches today (1 February) and will close on 15 March 2023.

Uptake of electric vehicles has grown rapidly within the borough over recent years, and there are increasing requests from communities for the Council to provide more charging facilities.

Making it easier for people to switch to electric vehicles forms a key part of the Council’s Climate Emergency Response Plan, which first promotes active modes of travel - like walking, wheeling or cycling - or public transport, followed by a transition to zero emission vehicles where car travel is unavoidable.

The Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy sets out how the Council and its partners will support the transition to electric vehicles within this framework, though promoting and providing comprehensive, accessible, and efficient charging infrastructure.

Potential locations for charging electric vehicles include key destinations - like town centres, supermarkets and restaurants, plus along routes across the borough and at residents’ homes.

Delivering the level of charging infrastructure required to meet future demand will require close partnership working between the council and private operators.

The adoption of local electric vehicle charging infrastructure strategies is being promoted by the Department for Transport, and development of this strategy will support submissions to the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, which is expected to be launched soon.

A consultation summary report is available setting out the core policies contained in the strategy: http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/EVconsultation.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: “If you have any comments or views regarding charging electric vehicles in the borough, please get involved in our consultation.

“We want to hear from as many residents, businesses, communities and other stakeholders as possible. Help us to shape our strategy for the future of transport in the borough.”

Findings from the public consultation will help to shape the final draft of the strategy, which will be presented to Cabinet in Summer 2023.

There are a number of ways to take part in the consultation:

• Complete the online survey at: http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/EVconsultation
• Email your views to: TransportStrategy@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
• Telephone the Council’s contact centre on 0300 1238 123 and quote ‘Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy’.
• Request a copy of our consultation or survey in alternative formats, including hard copy, easy read, Braille or large print, using the contact details above.

Paper questionnaires and written responses can be returned to the following address: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy Consultation, Transport Planning Team, Transport & Infrastructure, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BA.

With less than two months to go until community projects on the Cheshire West Crowd need to reach their crowdfunding targets, this is an ideal time for you to help their ideas become a reality.

The Cheshire West Crowd provides the opportunity for everyone to put forward community-led projects and attract funding to make the borough more vibrant, resilient and connected.

The Cheshire West Crowd autumn 2022 round is the biggest yet, with 44 community projects currently running crowdfunding campaigns and more than £425,000 in funding pledged by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

That means nearly £1.4 million has been raised for local projects from almost 4,800 backers since the initiative was first launched.

Ellesmere Port Local and Family History Society (EPLFHS) is fundraising to create an animation video that will showcase the town’s history.

Celia Webber, Chair of EPLFHS, said: “We’ve had wonderful support so far and every penny of it will help with promoting Ellesmere Port.

“The funding we’ve received from the Council is a real incentive for others to get involved in a project that could make a real difference to the town.”

Incredible Edible Handbridge is another project on a crowdfunding journey, with plans to launch a new Arches Wildlife and Wellbeing Garden.

Lisa Rossetti, Secretary of Incredible Edible Handbridge, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to have our community project supported and funded by the Council.

“We can’t wait to get started with transforming the patch into a lovely, thriving green space for our Handbridge community to enjoy.”

Down Syndrome Cheshire is generating funds through the Cheshire West Crowd for a new sensory room.

Lawrence Caygill, CEO of Down Syndrome Cheshire, commented: “We’re over the moon that we’ll be able to provide a sensory room for babies and children with Down syndrome in Cheshire, supporting their physical, communication and social development.

“The pledge from the Council has been instrumental in getting our crowdfunding campaign over the line and providing funding for this-much needed resource, which will make a massive difference to the lives of children living with Down syndrome and their parents and carers.”

While some projects have successfully reached their crowdfunding targets, others are calling on some extra support so they can become a reality.

Whether you’re a business, donor, resident or anyone else, you can get involved with the Cheshire West Crowd and donate to local projects close to your heart.

• Check out all the projects crowdfunding on the Cheshire West Crowd

All projects will need to reach their crowdfunding targets on the Cheshire West Crowd by Wednesday 22 March 2023.

Updating your lighting can be an easy win to help you lower your electricity bills and your household’s carbon footprint.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, lighting makes up 11 per cent of the average UK household electricity consumption, so spending some time making some small changes now could save you in the long run.

The traditional or incandescent lights bulbs are particularly inefficient and only about five per cent of the electricity they use converts into visible light. Switching one 100 watt incandescent bulb to a Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulb could save you up to £15 per bulb per year.

Halogen light bulbs are also fairly inefficient and switching a 50 watt halogen bulb could save you up to £6 per bulb.

Lots of experts now recommend that households should consider installing LED bulbs in the home. LEDs use just a fraction of electricity, compared to incandescent or halogen bulbs, and typically cost only around 1p to run for four hours. They have come a long way since they were first introduced and now are much brighter than they used to be.

Updating your lighting is fairly inexpensive and is a simple switch you can make yourself, however if not confident please seek advice. If you can afford to, it is worth making the switch straightaway, rather than waiting for your old light bulbs to run out, so that you start making those savings on your electricity bill straight away. Alternatively, plan to buy a few bulbs every month or two to spread the cost.

There are several guides on choosing the right low energy light bulbs to help you get started.

• Guide to energy efficient lighting - Energy Saving Trust
• LEDs are definitely savvy...and why candles definitely aren't! (getenergysavvy.info)
• Local energy saving coach, Mark Thompson, also talked about using LED lights on the second episode of the Council’s Energy saving podcast

Other things you can do to reduce your lighting bill

• Turn the lights off in rooms you’re not using.
• Use light rather than dark lamp shades to help distribute the light more in your room. This will mean you can lower the power of the bulbs you are using or use fewer lights in a room.
• Use sensors or timers on external lights, so they are only on when they need to be.