The council has approved the latest version of its climate emergency response plan.

Having received cross party support, the plan will be used as a guide to help the borough achieve its net zero target by 2045.

In 2019, West Cheshire declared a climate emergency - with the first climate emergency response plan for the borough developed in 2021.

The new plan will cover the period from 2025 to 2030.

Developed after an extensive consultation last year, it sets out priorities for the borough and key actions the council, partners and communities can take under six key theme areas.

These include business and industry, transport, housing, energy, land use, adaptation and repair - alongside waste, recycling and the circular economy.

"Each year we're reminded of the consequences of climate change, from more extreme weather, including one of the driest springs to date, to incidents of flooding and wild fires," said Cllr Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council.

"We also continue to be one of the top ten highest-emitting local authorities in the UK.

"This presents us with an opportunity to be at the centre of green industry in this country, an area that will create high-quality, accessible jobs at all skill levels for years to come."

Since the previous plan was adopted, west Cheshire has made progress towards achieving its target of becoming net zero, with borough-wide greenhouse gas emissions reducing from 4.3 million tonnes in 2018 to 3.2 million tonnes in 2022.

The latest plan highlights the borough's successful action towards net zero to date.

It includes more than £9 million in grants secured from central Government to help deliver energy, housing retrofit and natural environment projects in west Cheshire.

The council also acts as the accountable body for the national Trees for Climate Programme, which has delivered more trees than any other programme in the UK in recent years.

Launching the Solar Together programme has also helped hundreds of people get competitively priced Solar panels and/or batteries for their homes.

Cllr Gittin added: "We've already made some fantastic strides to help us reach our net zero targets including action by our local communities, such as helping to increase our recycling rates.

"By continuing to work together to become a net zero borough and taking collective action to address climate change we can also address inequalities, create greener communities and future proof our area to adapt to our changing climate."

The climate emergency response plan for 2025 – 2030 can be viewed here.