A SEVEN-METRE high fir tree will soon greet residents driving into Penketh as part of work to transform a major route into the town.

Council chiefs hope the new project will ensure the 'gateway' along Warrington Road will be getting 'greener and smarter' as trees are planted and street lights replaced.

Work begins next week and is expected to take four to six weeks weather permitting with the first phase including trees being planted along A562 Cuerdley Roundabout to create a boulevard effect and along A5080 Farnworth Road roundabout.

A variety of flowers will also be planted within the Cuerdley Roundabout and along the side of the roads while the fir tree will take centre stage in the middle of the roundabout and will be covered in lights during the festive season.

At the same time, the council’s street lighting team will be carrying out column and lantern replacement works relocating existing lights to the footways along the road using modern energy efficient lanterns and highways maintenance work will also be carried out to 'limit disruption' to residents and commuters'.

Plans for the second phase are still being developed but work is expected to begin in September and will include tree planting within the central reserve between A562 Cuerdley Roundabout and Heath Road and a 'general review of signage'.

Councillor Linda Dirir, executive board member for highways, transformation and climate change, said: “I am looking forward to seeing this key gateway into the town transformed and made greener and a project like this has the ability to add character to Warrington for residents and visitors alike.

“By programming in the street lighting and highways maintenance works at the same time we can also minimise not only disruption to residents but also the costs associated with carrying out much needed improvement works in our town.

“In terms of our climate change agenda, we are also seeking to improve the air quality in this area.

"We are hoping that increasing the number of trees in this area will help to reduce the number of carbon emissions and therefore improve air quality.

"We are monitoring the air quality before and after the project has been completed and fingers crossed we will see improvements.”

The project is joint funded by the council through its capital programme and Penketh Parish Council.