Farnworth residents welcomed some new arrivals this week, the first of dozens of trees to be planted across the borough under Bolton Council’s Cleaner and Greener commitment.

Cabinet member Cllr Adele Warren was on hand as 20 new trees were planted in Farnworth Park on Tuesday (July 14).

The project received a grant from the Forestry Commission’s Urban Tree Challenge, which will also see trees planted in Little Lever Memorial Gardens, Queens Park and Old Station Park in Horwich.

The grant was met with £25,000 of match-funding from Bolton Council.

Bolton Council’s Cleaner and Greener commitment has seen £1.5m set aside for various projects to improve public areas and green spaces across the borough.

This includes an overall total of £150,000 for new trees across the borough, with a much bigger planting programme planned for next planting season.

Cllr Warren, the Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services Delivery, said:

“Trees play an invaluable role by supporting wildlife, capturing carbon and releasing oxygen into the environment.

“These new trees will greatly improve the natural environment which has such a positive impact on the physical and mental health of our residents.

“That is why we have committed £1.5m to improving the local environment, £150,000 of which is being used to plant even more trees in our parks and public spaces.

“On top of this, we will continue to bid for extra funding from projects like the Urban Tree Challenge so we can plant as many trees as possible across Bolton.

“I am thrilled that Farnworth Park is the first to receive new trees. I hope it is just the beginning of good news for the town as we wait for the result of the Future High Streets Fund bid.”

The council’s Cleaner and Greener fund has also paid for new mowers and future initiatives include the creation of wildflower meadows and new benches and bins in parks.