CHRIS Matheson, Labour candidate for Chester, is urging residents to give greater support to ensure widespread tree coverage in and around the city.

Celebrating tree planting initiatives across the constituency, he said: “Local tree planting projects are a simple and effective way to tackle damaging carbon emissions.

"Trees are vital in improving air pollution, reducing urban heat through the absorption of harmful pollutants and encouraging the growth of wildlife."

Recently, Guilden Sutton Green Spaces group has been offered funding to develop the fields around the village for residents to enjoy. Plans include the creation of a nature trail, tree planting, allotments and woodland areas.

As Member of Parliament for Chester, Mr Matheson worked with the Green Space project members to secure funding for their project.

Funding from three sources will allow the two fields behind the Old School and adjacent to the Green Lane bridleway to be owned by the parish council and leased to the Green Space group.

The group will work with residents to develop the space for the benefit of the community.

Mr Matheson has also supported the Mersey Forest’s tree planting initiative and the Friends of the Countess of Chester Country Park plans.

He said: “We’ve had great success in local tree planting projects.

"I’m proud to support The Mersey Forest's ambitious venture, which has seen just under 10 million trees planted in the last decade.

"Here in Chester, the Friends of the Countess of Chester Country Park continue to plant hundreds of trees every year.

“I was also delighted to help achieve funding for the green space project in Guilden Sutton.

"Alongside my Green New Deal for Chester, our city can lead the way for the UK and become the country’s green capital."

Mr Matheson added: “I am proud of Labour's plans for widespread reforestation alongside the creation of 10 new national parks.

"Our ambitious tree planting plan will provide unparalleled environmental benefits.”

Mr Matheson recently addressed a large crowd at Chester Cross to announce his Green New Deal for Chester.

paid tribute to the work of local groups and organisations including Chester Zoo, Just Footprints, the ForEST Group, Friends of the Earth, Plastic Free Chester and Transition Chester. He outlined how their local work is setting an example to the country.

Mr Matheson expanded on his plans for Chester, saying: “Locally our Green New Deal means fighting for funding to make sure we can build a world-first hydrogen network, powering buses and trains as far away as Manchester and Liverpool and generating clean economic growth for our borough.

“The Cheshire Science corridor and energy research at Chester Universities Thornton Science Park is creating world class technology for the future and with the right investment and support, we could be exporting Cheshire’s ideas and innovations around the world.

"Our industrial areas to the North East of Chester and in Ellesmere Port are amongst the highest carbon producing clusters in the country.

"I am backing the plans to investigate large scale carbon capture and storage across these sites, so we can transition towards a carbon free future without increasing the carbon in our atmosphere.

“My Green New Deal is about creating a green economy which makes Chester more prosperous.

"Climate change is a threat – but it is also an opportunity for us to learn from each other, work together and live healthier and more enriched lives. The green industrial revolution needs to start somewhere, why not in Chester? Somebody needs to start it – why not us?”