TWO councillors have taken on new roles to help Northwich and Winsford slash their carbon footprints.

Cheshire West and Chester Council's ruling Labour group has appointed Cllr Matt Bryan as cabinet member for climate emergency.

It follows a year as chairman of CWAC's climate emergency taskforce, a cross-party group which considers the implications, risks and opportunities presented by climate change.

Cllr Bryan said: "I’m delighted to be appointed to this new role and I’m eager to continue working on this challenge and other projects that link into the work the council is doing to tackle the impacts of climate change.

Northwich Guardian:

“I’m a committed environmental campaigner and believe, that together with our communities, activists, partners and local businesses, we can become carbon neutral as a borough and play our part in protecting the world for future generations.

"There has been significant investment allocated in pursuit of our challenge.

"We have been following the data and science in detail over the last 12 months and I’m looking forward to using this knowledge to implement our council plan over the next few years.”

Cllr Bryan, who has also served as leader's champion for climate emergency over the past year, will now be responsible for the council's policies on:

  • Domestic energy
  • Carbon reduction
  • Climate change and sustainability
  • Energy infrastructure
  • Wildflower and biodiversity strategy
  • Countryside, green spaces and The Mersey Forest

Meanwhile, CWAC's Conservative opposition group has appointed Cllr Simon Eardley as shadow cabinet member for climate emergency.

Northwich Guardian:

He said: "I feel strongly about this agenda and the threat we face, world-wide, to the challenge of climate change.

"I am committed to ensuring that we respond to that challenge here in Cheshire West and do what we can to lead by example in all things.

"But, as a Conservative, I will also bring our own distinct approach to the job and do what I can to ensure we work closely with the Conservative Government to meet our obligations."

While the Government is working towards a goal of zero net carbon by 2050, CWAC has lofty ambitions to reach the target five years earlier.