SMALL simple steps could help to reduce Knutsford's carbon footprint, say councillors.

Residents are being encouraged to recycle more and leave their cars at home whenever possible.

Knutsford councillors suggested lots of practical ideas as they discussed how to make the council carbon neutral in the future at a town council meeting.

The council has already adopted measures to tackle climate change including moving electricity supplies to green energy providers.

Hundreds of new trees are being planted and habitats created.

Onsite composting has been introduced at the cemetery and a water butt has been installed at the cemetery chapel to reduce the use of fresh water.

Councillors have pledged to lobby for improvements to cycling routes and reduce car usage and hope to introduce further measures.

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Cllr Millie Morris said: "Recycling should be every week.

"I have two small children, two dogs and two guinea pigs.My recycling bin is full in half a week, never mind two weeks.

"The other thing I have a problem with is the number of HGVs going through Knutsford every day. I know Holmes Chapel has a ban in place but it is not policed.

"We, as a council, should be trying to limit the hours in which HGVs go along Knutsford roads because of the pollution on children walking to school."

More trees should be preserved, she said.

"We have seen many planning applications to fell trees that are not diseased," said Cllr Morris. "The council is becoming much stricter regarding tree husbandry.

"The nesting of birds has been highlighted. Birds are an important part of the eco system and this has now been addressed.

"Small steps can help us to be truly ecologically sound. It doesn't require money being spent. Small things like litter picking, eco bins, recycling everything we can and reusing everything we can before we bin it."

Cllr Andrew Malloy said: "We need better infrastructures for walking and cycling. I hope more people decide to leave the car at home."

Cllr James McCulloch said some people welcomed The Heath being left to grow wild whilst pet owners prefer it being trimmed so they can walk their dogs.

Cllr Peter Coan said: "I believe Knutsford Town Council deserves a pat on the back for creating wildflower meadows and the community orchard which enhance wildlife.

"All these green initiatives we are already implementing."

Offering financial incentives to encourage residents to instal eco measures in their own homes, he said, might be worth exploring.

"The initial cost of solar panels can take many years to recoup," said Cllr Coan. "If the Government is offering a reduction in car tax to drivers of electric vehicles, a reduction in council tax might encourage more people to put solar panels in.

"We also need to reduce the amount of time vehicles spend on the roads. It's not just about bikes and walking. Many people can't walk as they get older."

Mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner said: "Words are great, actions are so much more powerful.

"It has been a very interesting debate.

"We are committed to becoming carbon neutral council."

Councillors voted unanimously to develop a climate emergency strategy and vowed to review an action plan once realistic costs and details were evaluated.