RESIDENTS and businesses are being asked for their views on Cheshire East Council’s plans for a greener future for the economy and environment.

The council’s new corporate plan sets out the vision and priorities for the council over the next four years.

This includes its plans to protect and enhance the environment, tackle the climate change emergency and drive sustainable development.

The aims are a great place for people to live, work and visit; welcoming, safe and clean neighbourhoods; to reduce the impact on the environment; a transport network that is safe and promotes active travel, and thriving urban and rural economies.

Cllr Nick Mannion said: “We want to play our role in helping to ensure Cheshire East is a green and sustainable place for future generations.

“People want to come to live in Cheshire East. They want to invest here and to visit the area. But we know there’s work to do to improve some of the places in Cheshire East.

“We’ve also set the ambitious target of being a carbon-neutral council by 2025, to meet the climate emergency head on. We want your views on how to get this balance right.”

Cllr Laura Crane said: “We have opportunities to innovate and try different things to save money, improve service and reduce impact on the environment, such as our project to trial hydrogen bin lorries and our active travel schemes.

“It’s important you tell us what you think of our plans.”

Cllr Toni Fox said: “We live in a beautiful, varied and diverse borough. It’s important we continue to strive to protect those things we all love about it, alongside maximising the potential for our economy.

“We also need to ensure we have the right kind of housing, in the right places, to meet the needs of all our residents.”

Cllr Craig Browne, deputy council leader, said: “We want to maximise the borough’s potential and ensure good, sustainable growth with opportunities for all.

“Our corporate plan priorities include key major projects to help deliver that.

“This includes new cycle links and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as well as major transport schemes, such as HS2 coming to Crewe.

“We’re also looking to improve public transport to help reduce car journeys.”

The council’s corporate plan consultation is open until November 27. To give your feedback visit the plan consultation webpage.