WARRINGTON could follow London’s lead by prioritising the ‘greening’ of streets in the heart of the town as development progresses over the next two decades.

The supporting the local economy policy committee will meet at the Town Hall on Tuesday to discuss the matter.

A report from Warrington & Co’s Stephen Fitzsimons aims to ‘stimulate a discussion’ on the potential to incorporate green spaces into future town centre developments.

In it, he says: “Using London as an example, greening of the capital’s streets, buildings and other public spaces does more than change the look of these places.

“Roofs and walls covered in plants, street trees and small pocket parks in between buildings make the city a better place to live, work and invest.

“These green features act as part of London’s green infrastructure network to help clean our air, reduce the risk of flooding and keep the city cool.

“However, the pressures on land for the good quality homes, schools, hospitals and places of work which we need means there will be few opportunities to create more traditional parks and nature reserves as the city grows.”

Mr Fitzsimons states Warrington is also undergoing change, with the town centre masterplan and local plan advocating construction projects that will ‘transform the borough’ over the next 20 years.

He adds: “There could be an opportunity to incorporate urban greening into Warrington’s plan, for many of the reasons that London is already doing it.

“The refreshed town centre masterplan has been published and will be used for future regeneration projects. Any opportunities for green spaces should be considered as these plans progress.”