Climate Emergency

14 February 2022

Cheshire West and Chester Council is delighted to discover that not only does the city of Chester have some of the proudest residents in the UK, but its streets are among the cleanest in the country too.

Chester has been ranked within the top five in a list of the cleanest cities in the UK according to research published this month.

Chester scored an impressive 75 out of 100. This placed the City third, level with Lincoln. A score only beaten by Exeter with 79.17 and Durham, first with 87.50.

Recently, Chester also ranked fifth in a list of UK cities that take the most pride in their neighbourhood. Chester has 11.12 community groups per 10,000 people, the highest score in the research, which contributed to the City achieving its high-ranking position.

Both studies were carried out by Buildworld. They factored in cleanliness, the quality of the city's green parks, the community interest in recycling, council expenditure on environmental and regulatory services and the number of community groups and initiatives. This then generated an overall 'pride' score for each city which is then compared with others across the country.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said:

“This is wonderful news for both our proud StreetCare teams, who keep Chester looking good from the very early hours of the morning, every day of the year; and our host of brilliant volunteers who work with us to make a difference in their communities.

“I’m not surprised we have scored so highly in the ‘pride’ element of this research, we have some outstanding community groups right across the borough, not just in Chester, from littering-picking wombles to ‘Friends of groups’ who work tirelessly in our stunning parks.

“The results say it all – a top five place in the country’s cleanest streets. Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in making Chester a clean and beautiful city. I am incredibly proud too.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council has made positive progress in its commitment to becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2045 and a carbon neutral organisation by 2030, as part of its work to address the Climate Emergency.

The first annual review of the Council’s Climate Emergency Response Plan and Carbon Management Plan, which were approved in February 2021, sets out the progress that has been made against key actions and measurements included in the original plans.

PV solar panels installed at Neston Recreation CentreSome of the highlights of the report, which was presented to Cabinet in December 2021, include the following.

• Reducing the Council’s own organisational carbon emissions by 35 per cent between 2019/2020 and 2020/2021*
• Securing £5.8 million in funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme for a range of energy efficiency works, such as installing air source heat pumps and Solar Photovoltaics (PV) panels across 14 Council-owned buildings
• Replacing nearly 80 per cent of street lights in the borough to more energy efficient Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lights
• Securing £2.5 million from the Government’s Green Homes Grant programmes to retrofit some of the borough’s least efficient homes
• Welcoming news of the Government’s support for HyNet North West, which will reduce industrial emissions by producing low carbon hydrogen, create thousands of new jobs and place the borough at the centre of the green industrial revolution
• Distributing £143,000 of funding through the Council’s Climate Emergency Fund to support local, low-carbon projects across the borough

Alongside these actions, the Council has been taking steps to address the nature crisis with new policies on wildflower verges, enhancing local biodiversity and the development of a Land Action Plan for the Climate and Nature Emergencies.

The Council is also acting as the legal accountable body for the national Trees for Climate programme which, in its first year, planted 446 hectares of trees across England.

Newly planted trees at a site in Picton

Councillor Matt Bryan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Climate Emergency, said:

“It’s great to see the progress that has been made to date on our journey to becoming a carbon neutral borough and organisation. Making changes across all the Council’s services, to meet our targets, is a real challenge, but one that our members and staff are committed to achieving.

“When we developed the Climate Emergency Response Plan, we recognised that we couldn’t achieve all the actions set out in the plan alone and included steps that our residents and businesses could take to support the borough’s targets. With energy costs rising, it is more important than ever that we do all we can to support our residents and businesses to understand how they can lower their energy usage and, in turn, their costs, as well as the borough’s carbon emissions.

“There is a lot to be achieved over the coming years and this will bring opportunities to make the borough a better place to live and work.”

The Climate Emergency Response Plan sets out actions that we can all take to help the borough to become carbon neutral. Visit: www.westcheshireclimateplan.co.uk for more details.

The Council’s Climate Emergency Inspire website promotes projects and actions taking place across the borough to tackle the climate and nature emergencies. Members of the public, groups and businesses can share what they are doing locally to help reduce carbon emissions and improve the natural environment. Visit the Climate Emergency Inspire page: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/tackleclimate

*The Council has made significant progress against this target this year, reducing its organisational Carbon emissions from 26,779 tons of CO2 per year in 2019-20 to 17,196 tons of CO2 in 2020-2021.

10 February 2022

Cheshire West and Chester Council's library service is hosting an exciting online author event on Tuesday 22 February at 2.30pm. Join author Emma Beswetherick as she talks about her Playdate Adventures series, which follow the adventures of three best friends and their cat, Thunder, on a playdate where the magic of their imaginations make their pretend adventure come to life. Emma will read from her books, and give tips for your very own adventure stories with an environmental theme. She'd love to answer any questions you may have.

Tickets are free, but booking is essential. Click here to book now!

7 February 2022

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 spent £926 million on Valentine’s Day gifts. 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 making 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://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/

Nature Gifts - adopt a species | Cheshire Wildlife Trust

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.

2 February 2022

Chester’s Park and Ride buses have had an eye-catching makeover for 2022 to grab the attention of visitors and commuters.

Nine buses are used to run frequent services direct into the heart of the city from three Park and Ride sites at Boughton Heath, Upton (Zoo) and Wrexham Road. The buses are owned and operated by Stagecoach on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The fresh new design is the product of Chester design company, Lemondrop Creative, and features a ‘Clean and Green Chester’ theme with a sky-blue base colour adorned with flowers and butterflies. Also incorporated is a nod to the City’s Roman heritage, horse racing and its famous Zoo. The aim is to encourage residents and visitors to access the City in a sustainable way, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.

These vehicles, new in 2016, were built in Britain by Alexander-Dennis, and the first to operate in Chester powered by the latest ‘Euro 6’ low emission engines.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said:

“Stagecoach’s current Park and Ride vehicles were due a ‘mid-life’ overhaul which usually includes a fresh coat of paint.

“The existing design has adorned Park and Ride buses since 2009, so the Council was delighted to accept the unique opportunity offered by Stagecoach to re-brand these buses with a new eye-catching livery.

“I’m sure they’ll attract lots of attention as they travel across the City. The Park and Ride service is quick, easy and cheap – why not give it a go next time you visit Chester.”

Matt Davies, Managing Director of Stagecoach said:

"The new colour scheme for Chester's Park and Ride buses looks great. It is bright and fresh and will catch everyone’s eye.

“With the benefits of using the Park and Ride including free Wi-Fi and USB charging, air conditioning, free parking and free travel for children, we hope motorists driving into Chester will be persuaded that using the service is a smarter, cleaner and greener way to travel.”

In addition to the new waiting room at Boughton Heath, all Park and Ride sites are currently being refreshed with a major vegetation cut back and the fitting of ‘real time information’ screens which will advise customers at a glance when the next bus is due.

Park and Ride services operate seven days a week, an ‘all day’ ticket costs just £2 per passenger, and up to three children under 16 travel free with an adult. Regular travellers can buy a ‘£10 Ticket Bundle’ which offers six days’ travel for the price of five. Payment can be made from the ticket machines on site, or to save hunting for change, simply pay the driver with your ‘contactless’ card.

More information on the Park and Ride can be found on the Council’s website.

1 February 2022

On World Wetlands Day (2 February), Cheshire West and Chester Council is highlighting the work that is taking place across the borough to create important wetlands that will support a range of native wildlife.

Wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, freshwater availability and climate mitigation and adaptation. World Wetlands Day highlights the importance of these bodies of water and, how worldwide, wetlands are being lost three times faster than forests with nearly 90 per cent of all wetland habitats, including ponds, disappearing in the last 300 years.

As part of the Council’s work to address the nature crisis, the Council is acting 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 108 ponds, including 50 in the last 12 months. The Council’s Total Environment Team continue to monitor these, ensuring they remain healthy and thriving habitats for local wildlife.

Councillor Matt Bryan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Climate Emergency, said: “Ponds play an important role in our borough providing ecosystems that supports amphibians, such as great crested newts, and also birds, mammals, and invertebrates.

“Our Total Environment Team are aiming to restore an average of 50 ponds a year, creating around 9,000m2 of wetland habitat – an area greater than a football pitch.

“These wetlands will help cycle nutrients in our waterways, removing environmental pollutants, whilst also providing places for our communities to connect with nature, something that we know provides benefits to people’s health and wellbeing.”

The Council is asking landowners and farmers in the borough to come forward, if they are interested in creating and restoring ponds on their land. A grant is available to successful applicants to cover the full costs of each pond creation or restoration on their land.

Applications must come from within the Natural England target areas and conform to design specifications for size, depth, and profile. More than one third of land in the borough falls within the target area. The Council’s Total Environment team can provide support and advice throughout the application process.

To find out more about the scheme, and to see if you are eligible, please contact the biodiversity team by emailing: Biodiversity@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

The Council is currently working with the Land Trust, Friends of the Countess of Chester Country Park, Environment Agency and other partners to explore potential opportunities for a large wetland restoration project, west of Chester. The key aims of the project would be to increase biodiversity and improve water quality whilst reconnecting a watercourse with its floodplain.

The wetland habitat also has potential to act as a carbon sink, which will prevent the release of harmful greenhouse gases. Other potential benefits from the project would be to bring local conservation and environmental groups together and providing educational resources for the local community.

This project is in the early stages and further information will be shared on the Council’s Climate Emergency Inspire webpage once funding for delivery and management has been secured.

24 January 2022

As our planet is getting warmer, climate change is a hot topic. The Council's Climate Emergency Response Plan sets out how the borough aims to become carbon neutral by 2045. We can all take action to reduce our impact on the planet. Here are 22 simple changes that you could make in 2022 for a more sustainable year.

Food

1. Take reusable bags when you go shopping and choose packaging-free fruit and vegetables.

2. Buy local, fresh, seasonal produce – it will have travelled fewer miles to get to you, and you'll be supporting local businesses too.

3. Eating less meat and dairy products will reduce your carbon footprint. Try introducing a few plant-based foods into your diet.

4. When you open your fridge/freezer door, get everything you need out in one go. Every time you open the door, your fridge/freezer uses extra energy to get back to temperature.

5. If you don't have a garden, use a windowsill or worktop to grow your own herbs instead of buying them. You could even reuse a plastic bottle as a container. As well as being therapeutic, you'll save money and use less packaging.

Home

6. Replace standard light bulbs with light emitting diodes (LED) lights – they usually last a lot longer and are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs.

7. Reduce your shower time by just one minute – you'll save between 5-15 litres of water and it could save you money.

8. If you haven't already got one, ask your energy provider for a smart meter so you can keep an eye on how much energy you're using. Alternatively, take meter readings more often to track your usage.

9. If you're buying soil for planting, make sure it's peat-free. Our peatlands store carbon, help to reduce flooding and provide habitat for different species, so peat is best left where it is.

10. If you can, line dry your clothes instead of using a tumble drier. A household that normally runs the tumble drier 200 times a year could save nearly half a tonne of CO2e, and around £90 a year by drying clothes outside or on a clothes rack inside.

Stuff

11. If you have clothes you no longer wear, try selling them, going to a clothes swap or donating them to a charity shop. This is a more sustainable way of getting rid of unwanted clothes – reusing is better than recycling.

12. If you're looking to purchase a product, consider buying second-hand. Click here for more ideas and information about buying pre-loved items.

13. There's a lot more that can be recycled these days. The Council's Waste and Recycling webpages has lots of information about recycling at home and in the borough's recycling centres.

14. Go paperless – you can access statements and bills online.

15. The unsustainable production of palm oil is one of the biggest threats facing forests and wildlife in areas of South East Asia. Look for the RSPO label to ensure you purchase products that have been made with certified sustainable palm oil. Find out more about sustainable palm oil on Chester Zoo's website.

Travel

16. Walk or cycle if you need to go on a short journey – it's better for the environment and for your physical and mental wellbeing.

17. Make travel part of the holiday: could you get to your destination by train, boat or car, instead of taking a flight with higher emissions? A journey from London to Madrid, for example, would emit 43kg of CO2 per passenger by train, but 118kg by plane, according to EcoPassenger.

18. If you have to drive, drive smarter: having the correct air pressure in your tyres gives better mileage, cheaper maintenance and a smaller environmental impact. Car sharing is also a great way to reduce your climate impact.

19. Whilst on holiday, eat local foods instead of imported ones. You'll be reducing your carbon footprint and supporting the local economy.

Work

20. Emails can add to your carbon footprint. Try reducing the number in your inbox by unsubscribing from any enewsletters you don't read, and really consider who you need to cc into your emails.

21. Set your printer to black and white and double-sided, and only print documents if you need to.

22. If you are heading into work, take a cutlery set with you so you don't need plastic cutlery when buying lunch.

Try making some of these simple changes then take the WWF's environmental footprint questionnaire or visit Giki Zero to calculate your personal carbon footprint.

Sources:

World Wildlife Fund - www.wwf.org.uk
WRAP - www.wrap.org.uk

Energy Saving Trust - https://energysavingtrust.org.uk

Sustrans - www.sustrans.org.uk

BBC - https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-49349566

Chester Zoo - Chester Zoo's website

Every effort has been made to that ensure the information used in all climate emergency articles is accurate. All information used to inform the articles 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 matters can be contradictory.

31 January 2022

There is a regular series of weekday Wellbeing Walks available across the borough run by Cheshire West and Chester Council in partnership with The Ramblers.

All of the walks are led by a team of enthusiastic and friendly volunteer walk leaders. Walkers are recommended to wear appropriate footwear and clothing as the walks take place in all weather conditions throughout the year.

No advanced booking is needed walkers just need to register for their first walk. New walkers are always welcome.

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

“Walking is an excellent and simple way to increase your activity levels, tone up, help manage your weight, reduce your blood pressure, make your heart fitter and is good for your mental wellbeing.

“Now is the perfect time to put those New Year Resolutions into practise. Walking in a group helps you to stay motivated, gives you the opportunity to make new friends and experience new places and greenspaces.”

Current walks available (all walk durations are approximate.)

Monday Walks

• Winsford Wellbeing Walks starting 10am and 1pm (60 minutes) Contact: chris.moseley@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
• Tarporley Wellbeing Walk starting 9.30am (60 Minutes) Contact Lindsey: 07593 138655 or email: lindsay@healthboxcic.com

Tuesday Walks

• Malpas Short Walk, every second Tuesday, starting 10.15am (45 minutes) Contact: suenorwood03@gmail.com
• Chester Grosvenor Park Strollers starting 11am (40 minutes) Meeting at St John’s Church, Vicars Lane, CH1 1QQ. Contact Mal: 07826 625367
• Blacon Wellbeing Walk starting 9.30am (45 Minutes) Contact Kate: 07824991913 or email: kate@healthboxcic.com
• Frodsham Short Walk starting 10.30am (30 Minutes) Contact Lesley: lesleyannmitchell@btinternet.com or Peter: bev.webley@hotmail.co.uk

Wednesday Walks

• Lache Wellbeing Walk starting 9.30am (45 minutes) Contact: 07436 854181 or: sian@cwtogether.org.uk
• Northwich Wellbeing Walk starting 10.30am (60 minutes) Contact: chris.moseley@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
• Frodsham Wellbeing Walk starting 10.30am (60 to 90 Minutes) Contact Lesley: lesleyannmitchell@btinternet.com or Peter: bev.webley@hotmail.co.uk

Thursday Walks

• Malpas Long Walks every second Thursday starting 10.15am (60 to 90 minutes) Contact: suenorwood03@gmail.com or Wendy: 01829 250413
• Helsby Wellbeing Walk starting 10.30am (30 Minutes) Contact John: 01928 722292 or email: j.c.dearden@ljmu.ac.uk

Friday Walks

• Northwich Walk starting 10.30am (60 minutes) Contact: chris.moseley@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
• Countess of Chester Country Park starting 1pm (60 minutes) Contact: healthranger@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

The Council is looking to grow the programme and host walks in other areas of the borough. Full training provided in conjunction with The Ramblers.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer walk leader or setting up a walk can contact the Health Ranger to receive more information contact: healthranger@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

For more information on the wellbeing walk programme there is a promotional video https://youtu.be/Mgy9iuBbWs0

28 January 2022

From the 29 January 2022, The Highway Code is changing. The advisory changes are to improve safety for people walking, cycling and horse riding.

Every road user still has a responsibility to keep themselves and each other safe, and the changes mean being ready to give priority, leave space and be considerate of others.

Councillor Karen Shore, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways & Strategic Transport said:

“All road users should make themselves aware of the new changes that include important updates for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

“The changes have been designed to increase the safety for road users most likely to be injured in the event of a collision, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists.”

There is a new hierarchy of road users to ensure those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others.

This means:

• Giving people crossing and waiting to cross and cyclists (or people cycling) going straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions
• Giving plenty of space when passing people cycling and horse riders
• And making sure we’re acting with responsibility and respect to all road

The updated Highway Code now adds

• You now should give people crossing and waiting to cross and cyclists going straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions.
• You now should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
• When driving, you should now pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space.
• You should now allow at least 2 metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing a pedestrian who is walking in the road.
• Car users should now open their doors with the hand furthest from the door, to help them look over their shoulder to see cyclists or pedestrians nearby.
• People may cycle in the centre of the lane or two abreast for their own safety, whilst allowing others to overtake when it is safe for them to do so

The changes can be viewed in full by visiting: www.gov.uk/dft/highway-code-changes

26 January 2022

Many people would consider 4am a very early start but not for Cheshire West and Chester Council’s StreetCare teams, who are out and about from that time keeping the borough clean.

The Council is asking anyone who throws chewing gum or cigarette ends onto the borough’s pavements to stop. Throwing litter is actually an offence and you could be fined. A Fixed Penalty Notice for littering could leave you £120 out of pocket (£90 if paid within seven days).

When you are walking out and about in the borough you may not think about what has gone on, sometimes in the very early hours of the morning, to keep the borough’s pavements clean and tidy.

The Council’s StreetCare teams have to clean 2445km of pavement across the borough using a variety of equipment.

High heat, low pressure jet washing is used up to three times a year in busy areas, like high streets and town centres, where grime and chewing gum can build up.

Feathered friends like pigeons can also cause problems and pressure washing ensures these areas are kept clean, particularly near ‘al fresco’ dining areas.

Larger mechanical sweeping is used to remove general litter, detritus and leaves in town and village centre, as well as retail areas. However, some jobs still require manual brushing and litter picking by hand.

On road junctions and crossing island near to agricultural land or woodland manual ‘digging out’ is sometimes needed to keep edges clean and free from debris.

During the summer months there is the added job of weed control, particularly when a hot dry summer follows April showers in the spring.

They also blow away grass clippings when grass cutting operations start.

And it’s not just Council teams who keep the borough looking good, volunteer litter pickers also do a great job keeping their communities clean.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said:

“It’s not something you may have thought about but keeping the pavements beneath our feet clean is a huge job for our teams.

“I would like to say a big thank you to our StreetCare teams for keeping the show on the road throughout the winter months. They do a great job is often challenging conditions. We are also extremely grateful to the many volunteers, such as local ‘Wombles’ groups, for playing their part and helping us to keep the borough clean and tidy. Thank you all.”