Climate Emergency

Libraries Week (2 - 8 October) is an annual celebration where we showcase all the innovative and sometimes, surprising, ways in which we support our communities. This year Libraries Week is 'going green', focusing on sustainability and climate change.

Check our Events page to see what your local library is planning to mark the week – there's plenty going on from Seed Swaps and Big Draws to Bin to Brilliant crafts!

There’s never been a better time to join one of our hundreds of groups and activities, new and old. Chat about books with us at one of our new Not a Reading Groups at Sandiway, Neston, Helsby or Wharton, test your puzzling skills with new Board Game clubs at Weaverham and Blacon, or bring your own project and pick up new crafting skills at Great Boughton’s new Craft and Chat session. Details of all of our events are available on our website.

Plus, all week we’re inviting you to share what you love about your library. Whether it’s the welcoming space, great range of books or access to information, let us know your favourite thing about your library for us to display.

A further ban on single-use plastic items came into effect on 1 October.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Public Protection officers are reminding businesses, such as takeaways, sandwich bars, care homes and retailers who supply certain single-use plastic items, that the ban came into force on Sunday.

It means that from 1 October, businesses across England will not be able to supply certain single-use plastic items to members of the public.

The ban relates to single use plastic plates, bowls and trays, unless:

• The business is a supplier, supplying them to another business.
• They are packaging which is prefilled or filled at the point of sale, for example, salad bowls, etc.

Plastic cutlery and balloon sticks are banned with no exemption.

Plastic polystyrene food and drink containers are banned, unless the contents need further preparation before consumption, for example, adding water, microwaving, etc.

From 1 October, subject to the exemptions, members of the public will not be supplied these products from any business – this includes retailers, takeaways, food vendors and the hospitality industry and the ban will apply to online and over-the-counter sales.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “Certain plastic items, such as straws, stirrers and cotton buds, have already been banned.

“Businesses who continue to supply banned single-use plastic items after the legislation comes into effect could face a fine or prosecution. This will be enforced by the Council.”

Plastic pollution takes hundreds of years to break down and inflicts serious damage to our oceans, rivers, and land. It is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, from the production and manufacture of the plastic itself to the way it is disposed.

It is expected that banning these items will have a significant impact on reducing plastic waste and littering in England.

Businesses could:

• Swap plastic for bamboo or wooden cutlery for takeaway food
• Swap plastic for metal cutlery for in-house guests
• Swap single use plastic plates or bowls to re-usable alternatives that can be washed
• Offer paper plates instead of plastic
• Offer to refill customers’ water bottles or travel cups
• Encourage customers to bring their own clean containers for takeaway food.

Further guidance can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Cheshire West and Chester Council, in collaboration with its new highway contractor, Colas, will use an innovative new process to repair a section of the A41 next month.

‘Recycol’ is a process for the in-situ recycling of road surfaces. Developed by Colas, it removes existing road materials, mills them and then mixes them with an emulsion-based binder before relaying them again using specialist equipment.

It breathes new life into roads that are damaged or at the end of their life cycle. It also not only minimises the amount of newly quarried stone materials needed but also reduces the number of HGV movements at the site.

The product is currently regularly used in France but this is only second time the treatment has been seen in Britain and the first time it will be used on a strategic road. It was previously used on an urban road in Coventry in 2022.

Calculations based on materials, transportation, the manufacture of the mixture, freight trips to and from the site and implementation, show Recycol is projected to save up to 65 per cent in energy and 61 per cent carbon on this project.

A section of the A41 from Handley to Bolesworth/Broxton will be the location of the works starting from Tuesday 3 October to Sunday 8 October. A full road closure will be needed with no through access to traffic. A diversion will be in place.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said: “I am delighted the Council will be using such an innovative product within the borough with our highways partner, Colas. This is a good example of collaborative working and innovation, which has great environmental benefits.

“The works will also be much quicker than with conventional methods. Traditional resurfacing techniques would take around 13 days to complete this section of road, compared to seven days using Recycol.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to road users in this area due to the road closure but thank you for your support while we continue to develop and innovate our working practices. I look forward to seeing this product on our network.”

Compared to traditional resurfacing, there is also a cost saving of around 9.31 per cent for this particular project.

Following these works there will be night road closures to complete road marking along the route but the road will be re-opened to traffic during the daytime. Please note that much of works will be weather dependant and subject to change.

Over 4,000 Cheshire residents have registered to a local group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

Solar Together Cheshire and Warrington is a first for the area and will help Cheshire homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.

Residents have until Friday, 27 October to register for the free scheme and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Find out more and register on the Solar Together Cheshire and Warrington webpage.

Watch a video explaining more about the scheme and hear from local residents who have had solar panels installed on their own home:

West Cheshire residents can join the group-buying scheme, which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points. The scheme also offers retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate, as well as increase their independence from the grid.

This innovative scheme builds on six years of a successful Solar Together programme, run across the UK. To date Solar Together has delivered over 22,000 installations and over 460,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is working in partnership with Cheshire East Council, Warrington Borough Council, and independent experts iChoosr, to help make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible.

To mark the 50^th anniversary of the Wirral Way Cheshire West and Chester Council has joined forces with the RSPB to run a competition to discover your favourite marshes bird.

The partnership is asking residents to vote for their favourite bird from a shortlist of five. The list has been chosen by the RSPB and is based on the frequency of sightings and the bird’s unique story.

The competition for your favourite bird to represent the marshes will close on Friday, 15 September.

The winning bird will be crafted into a majestic willow structure, which will be unveiled at an event at the former bath site, Parkgate on the afternoon of Sunday, 1 October 2023.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “The marshes are an important part of our landscape and we are privileged to be able to see a host of beautiful birds make it their home throughout the seasons.

“I would love everyone to get involved in voting for their favourite marshes bird. Getting involved is a way to learn about our birds and celebrate them.

“The bird you choose as your favourite will be crafted into a majestic willow structure, which will be unveiled at the beginning of October to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our fantastic Wirral Way”.

To place your vote for your favourite marshes bird: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Marshbirds/ – the vote will close on Friday, 15 September.

The winner will be announced on the Council’s social media channels on Monday, 18 September.

Businesses from across west Cheshire have been invited to learn more about the newly launched West Cheshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Business Support Programme. This Mid Cheshire focused event, hosted by FI Real Estate Management (FIREM) at its new Winnington Business Park site in Northwich, is an opportunity for businesses to speak to the delivery partners supporting the programme and check if their business would be eligible for support and a grant.

Visit the Let’s Talk Business website Events page to register for the 13 September event, 10.30am – 12noon, www.letstalkbizcw.co.uk.

The UKSPF Business Support Programme is a mix of support activities, one to one guidance and grants for eligible businesses.

• Start & Micro Project - 50 grants ranging from £500 - £2,500.
• Investor & High Growth Project - 15 match funded grants up to £20,000
• Workspace Project - Working with 10 workspace providers.
• Decarbonisation Project - 15 match funded grants ranging from £13,000 - £16,000.
• Innovation Project - 25 match funded grants ranging from £9,000 - £16,000.

FI Real Estate Management will also be offering tours of its £25 million 113,200 sq ft Winnington site, a mix of high-quality start-up, industrial and trade spaces. There will also be time for networking over a light lunch and refreshments.

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation said: “I’d like to thank FI Real Estate Management for hosting this Mid Cheshire event.

“The UKSPF business support programme is designed to support local business to increase productivity by creating the conditions for businesses to start-up, scale-up and innovate and to build a stronger business base which supports our sustainable and inclusive growth objectives. I’d encourage west Cheshire businesses to attend and learn how their business might be able to take advantage of the support and grants available through the programme.

“We will be offering new online resources soon including the Growth4Growth platform that will provide access to tools, support, training and guidance to help SMEs/VCSEs develop the practical skills needed to win work in the public sector. There will also be a Business Tapas platform which will provide easily digestible information, covering a range of topics, to help businesses make better informed decisions when starting and developing their business.

“The information will empower businesses to adopt what they’ve learnt easily into their business or enable them to have more informed conversations with other service providers. The website will also signpost users to additional third-party information that can help them progress ideas and grow their business.”

Tim Knowles, founder and Managing Director of FI Real Estate Management, added: “We’re passionate about advancing the business landscape in and around the North West. This is an excellent opportunity for businesses to connect with UKSPF delivery partners and I encourage local and regional businesses to attend the event to find out more. I look forward to welcoming attendees and showcasing our facilities at Winnington Business Park following our recent investment.”

Six months after its launch, Winnington Business Park is now 50 per cent committed, with 40 per cent let and a further 10 per cent under offer. Throughout August and September, FIREM is offering businesses one month’s free rent across its portfolio of office, industrial and retail spaces. This applies to a minimum lease term of three years and must reach legal completion before the offer expires.

The UKSPF Business Support Programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council and delivery partners.

The UKSPF is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

In addition to the UKSPF main programme, Cheshire West and Chester Council were allocated an additional £0.9m under the Rural England Prosperity Fund. The rural Plan was approved in April 2023 and is aligned to the main programme, with some small additional capital allocations for rural broadband and business growth.

Funding committed includes

• Revenue: 23/24 £1,001,709 and 24/25 revenue £927,465

• Capital £213,326

For more information on UK Shared Prosperity visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

For more information about FI Real Estate Management: https://fi-rem.com/

Last month, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Energy and Green Spaces, Cllr Matt Bryan, took part in a live debate at the Sustainability Show in Manchester.


The discussion session was focused on delivering a renewable future – a vision for hope in the North West. On the discussion panel, alongside Cllr Bryan, were Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester Mayor), Steve Rotheram (Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor), representatives from the North West Net Zero Youth Network, Dale Vince (Founder of Ecotricity), Rose Marley (CEO Cooperatives UK) and Ameria Sawas (Chief Research and Engagement Officer at Climate Outreach).

The NW Net Zero (NWNZ) Youth Network discussed some of the actions highlighted in their report, which was developed following the NWNZ Youth Conference in October 2022. Sustainable transport options were a flagged as a priority, with improvements to public transport and cycling infrastructure highlighted as an important focus for local leaders.

Educational initiatives around energy use and simple steps we can all take to make a difference were also discussed, alongside support for businesses to use green energy in the region. And jobs and skills in the green sector, plus creating and protecting green spaces in their local areas, are issues where the group would like to see more work done.

The panel discussed the initial findings from the North West Green Task Force, a collaboration between the leaders of the North West and some of the other members of the panel. Their findings provided a valuable initial analysis of the potential for renewable energy generation in the region. The report suggestions that renewable energy presents us with an opportunity for a green industrial revolution, where improving our carbon footprint can also reduce people’s energy bills and create good, skilled jobs locally.

The panel also discussed the urgency of devolved powers to our region to help facilitate the rapid decarbonisation for other areas across the UK.

Cheshire West and Chester Council will continue to work closely with both the NWNZ Youth network and the North West Green Taskforce to ensure our borough is represented in future discussions and the voice of the younger generation in our area feeds in to our climate action plans.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s new mobile library vehicle has launched this week. The new vehicle, which replaces the existing mobile library is fully electric and therefore much cleaner and greener.

The new vehicle is fully accessible and includes a hearing loop. It also has other sustainable features including solar panels and LED lighting. Other improvements include an awning for summer activities and onboard Wi-Fi and digital access for customers.

Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins said: “We believe our new mobile library is the first electric mobile library in the country and will contribute to the Council’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. It looks wonderful with its new livery and I’m sure it will attract attention on its routes around the borough.

“Some mobile library stops will also be enhanced with events and activities delivered by the library service and with partners.”

The new vehicle offers a wide range of stock including adult and children’s’ books as well as audiobooks. It also provides access to the Library Management System, enabling customers to borrow books from across the library service and to make reservations, as well as update their library accounts.

Mobile Library staff can also provide online Council information and a Council enquiry service. Library members have free access to a wide range of online resources, including eBooks, via the libraries’ webpage.

Following a consultation in Autumn 2022 the Library Service has carefully considered all feedback and has used this to help redesign and shape the future of the mobile library service to meet resident’s needs. You can view the findings of the consultation at Mobile Library Service consultation | Cheshire West and Chester Council

You can view the all the stops and the timetable for the service at Mobile library service | Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Modifications to the vehicle were completed by a local company – Astra Vehicle Technologies - based in Ellesmere Port.

Cheshire West and Chester Council, working with local groups and other key stakeholders, will launch the Clean Dee Consultation on Thursday 20 July.

The River Dee is one of Chester’s greatest assets but concern about the pollution of our rivers and coastal waters has been growing over the last few years. While there are several sources of pollution, attention has focused on the issue of untreated sewage being discharged into our waters, particularly during and following periods of heavy rainfall.

Responding to increasing local concerns about river cleanliness, the Council set up a cross-party task group of councillors to investigate this issue and they recommended that the Council should look into the feasibility of applying to designate part of the river as a bathing water.

Designated bathing water status refers to the designation of a beach or inland water as a bathing water so that information on water quality is provided to bathers and their health can be protected.

Bathing water designation does not mean the water meets bathing water quality standards or that the water is safe for bathers, but it can be the first step to ensure action is taken to improve water quality by reducing contamination.

This six-week consultation will inform a decision on the feasibility of submitting an application to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for a part of the river to be designated as a bathing water.

In considering applications, DEFRA takes into account the facilities at the site, the number of bathers and the outcome of a local consultation.

On 3 July 2023, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) published new, stricter guidance on the criteria and the application process. Further clarification of some of the new criteria is still being sought.

The Council has been monitoring the use of the river since the end of May 2023, based on the previously published criteria, and it will continue to do so until the end of the bathing season (30 September), now based on the new criteria.

Although there are several sites where people bathe, it is only Sandy Lane, upstream from the river ferry, that potentially fits the published criteria.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes, Planning and Safer Communities, Councillor Christine Warner said: “We would like as many people as possible to get involved in our Clean Dee Consultation, so we can decide the best course of action regarding a potential application to DEFRA.

“Improved water quality would, of course, benefit not only bathers but also a wide range of other leisure and sports users, including paddlers, paddleboarders, canoeists, rowers, leisure boat users and local businesses as well as the environment and wildlife.”

The purpose of the designation is to protect existing bathers, not to increase the number. More generally, as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting water safety throughout the borough, the Council is working with consultants and others in helping to ensure that a wide range of users can enjoy water safely.

Once a coastal water or river is designated as a bathing water the Environment Agency is required to test the water quality throughout the bathing season (from 15 May to 30 September) and then to categorise the bathing water annually at the end of the season as ‘Excellent’, ‘Good’, ‘Sufficient’ or ‘Poor’.

The Council is carrying out the public consultation to explore the views of all stakeholders - local residents, community and sports groups, visitors and businesses – who are asked to give their views on what the river means to them and how they use it.

From 20 July, you can take part in the survey here. (cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/CleanDee)

In addition to the online survey, respondents can give their views in an email, in writing and by requesting a paper version of the survey. Paper versions can be requested by contacting the Council’s Public Protection team (see below).

• By telephone on 01244 973708
• Email at: regulatoryservices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
• Post: Public Protection Service, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BA)

The consultation will close on 31 August 2023.

Once all the required information, including consultation responses, has been collected, the Council will consider the results and then make a decision on the feasibility of an application. The results of the consultation will be published on the Council website.

Any application must be submitted by 31 October.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Total Environment team has previously worked with a number of Parish Councils to create new community orchards. Increasing orchard provision will help provide opportunities and access to locally grown fruit, support biodiversity as well as naturally enhancing Cheshire’s landscape.

Funding is being sourced to support the 2024 planting season for a number of new orchards within our borough. Expressions of interest are invited from Town or Parish Councils or voluntary agencies who manage publically accessible land who are interested in creating a community orchard. As an indicator the minimum area requirement is roughly the size of a tennis court. Funding is available which will cover the cost of purchasing fruit trees, stakes and ties, with planting delivered as part of a community engagement activity. We are looking for potential schemes for delivery during the forthcoming planting season i.e. winter 2024. Subject to funding we are also hoping to run a fruit tree workshop to support volunteers with ongoing maintenance and management tasks.

Promotional footage which provides an overview of the scheme can be viewed here https://vimeo.com/795546906?login=true#_=_

To enquire or register your interest please email HealthRanger@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk quoting community orchard interest. Potential locations will be subject to a site visit to assess for suitability and funding approvals.