A CHESTER village is aiming to become the first community in England to take a united stand against global warming. In a few years, Ashton Hayes hopes to produce fewer greenhouse gas E-sions than it absorbs from the atmosphere. The 'Going Carbon Neutral' project will encourage the near 1,000 residents in thevillagetolook atwaysofreducing emissions of greenhouse gases and help them find 'no cost' solutions to the problems of global warming. 'We want to show our children, keen-children and future generations that we havedoneourbest tostopAshtonHayes contributing to global warming,' said parish council chairman Cllr Naomi Deynem. Project co-ordinator Gerry Charnock believes theprojectisthe firstofitskind in the country. He said: 'I lecture on this problem to industry and then I thought the community I've lived in for the last 20 years could do something as well. 'We are well placed because we have a number of tracts of land on which we can plant new trees.' Gerry says that one of the first things the campaign will be do is to explain how people can opt for a green electricity supply, from renewable resources such as wind and hydropower, by phoning their supplier. This puts pressure on power companies to develop more renewables and sends a clear message that people want to reduce their fossil fuels dependency. He said: 'We'll also be taking up offers of help and advice from the Cheshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre and the Energy Saving Trust's local support team, based in Winsford, which are keen to demonstrate how energy saving actions in the home can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 'We have had tremendous support from everyone we approached and it seems to be something people are very keen to get involved with.' Both the University of Chester's Environmental Task Force and Chester City Council are supporting the initiative. The plan is for students at the university to provide support with data gathering and analysis to help determine Ashton's emissions of carbon dioxide and to help monitor the progress of the project. In Spring 2006, a student research team will be based in the village for about six weeks to start the survey. Ashton Hayes Primary School children will be involved in the project. Local businesses are helping with Helsby-based environmental consulting firm RSK ENSR offering to plant trees and provide expert advice on sustainable development. Technical Editing Services is providing communications advice and Manley-based Euro Tree Services is also giving help with tree planting. Farmer Derek Dobson, who has already plantedawoodat theedgeofthe village with almost 6,000 trees, is helping the project team and other major landowners around Ashton are keen to join in. ARE WE DOING ENOUGH TO COMBAT GLOBAL WARMING? Telephone: 01244 606424/5 Fax: 01244 606498 E-mail: newsroom@ cheshirenews.co.uk | 
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