Turning Over a New Leaf...

The first trees have been planted this week as part of a Council programme to support the sustainable greening of Penrith, this seeks to help make access points and designated places in the town centre more welcoming for residents, visitors and commuters.

Last December, District Councillors supported a motion by Councillor Henry Sawrey-Cookson and Councillor Dawn Stobbart to identify sites in Penrith where trees could be planted in the town to improve its visual appeal.

Councillor Henry Sawrey-Cookson said: “The greening of a town can uplift people’s spirits. Trees breathe in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, a loss of trees in a town is a loss of pride. So I am delighted that the motion by Councillor Dawn Stobbart and myself was fully supported by our fellow Members, and that Eden is working with the Vitality of Penrith Group (VoP) and PACT (Penrith Action for Community Transition) to enhance the town’s appeal.

“The start of the Council’s greening programme will see birch trees being planted outside the town hall, then with support and suggestions from the public, the Council will seek to identify other sites around the town where trees can be appropriately placed. I hope this is an initiative that the public will wholeheartedly support.”

The two native Downy Birch trees have been planted in the gardens at the front of the Town Hall, to frame the building’s main entrance without dominating or detracting from the appearance of the building. The trees have been purchased from Weasdale Nurseries at Ravenstonedale.

Councillor Dawn Stobbart, said: “A lot of hard work has already been undertaken by the VoP’s Environmental Champion Peter Ward, to create a more vibrant townscape for Penrith with a significant greening initiative that has been well supported by local businesses. This will make add vibrancy to Penrith during the spring and summer. I hope the work of the Council compliments this tremendous effort.

“The birch trees will be a welcome addition to the gardens at the front of the town hall, which are already well maintained by the Council’s grounds maintenance contractor Enterprise. We will look to see where trees and plants can be added to other Council land around Penrith to improve the public realm; we welcome the support of the public who can contact the Council with their ideas.

If you would like to donate money towards purchasing a tree to help Green Penrith or have an idea or a suggestion for an area of Penrith that could be improved with a greening initiative contact Eden District Council telephone: 01768 817817 or email: customer.services@eden.gov.uk For more information about the work of the Vitality of Penrith Group visit www.eden.gov.uk/vop