WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is calling on Warrington Borough Council to declare a climate and environment emergency in line with a number of councils across the country.

Such a declaration would commit the council to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and ensure it would work with other bodies and residents to drive down the town’s carbon footprint.

Helen Jones said: “Labour’s shadow environment secretary has declared a national climate and environment emergency in Parliament but, sadly, the government refused to do the same.

"Climate change is the biggest issue facing the world and our declaration is a call to action to prevent a dangerous rise in global temperatures by radically transforming our economy.

“A wave of councils across the country have declared an environment and climate emergency and I would strongly support Warrington doing the same.

“Birchwood Town Council have led the way by making such a declaration at their last meeting and should be congratulated for doing so.”

Birchwood Town councillor, David Ellis said: “The International Panel for Climate Change believes we have 10 years to prevent catastrophic impact.

"By joining other councils in the UK and overseas, we intend to show leadership that will hopefully encourage others to do the same.

"We can do it. We owe it to our children and grandchildren.

"We will be putting together a plan to achieve our objectives, and this should include recommendations on simple things that our residents can do to play their part.”