Penwortham's Green Fortnight set to launch next month in a bid to help tackle climate crisis

Between April 4 and 15, Penwortham Town Council will be hosting a range of activities and events aimed at helping residents and businesses make environmentally-friendly choices.

As part of the fortnight, on Tuesday, April 5, Priory Lane Community Centre will be open to all, with LED bulb giveaways, free tote bags for life, and information on how to make homes and offices more energy efficient.

A team from Penwortham gin company Fairham Gin will also be on hand, talking about their initiative to plant a tree beside the River Ribble for every bottle sold.

>>>Click here to learn more about the Fairham Gin tree initiative.

Taking inspiration from the gin team, the Town Council will also be planting fruit trees throughout the town during the fortnight - away from roads, in places where people in future will be able to enjoy the produce. The locations are still to be decided.

Penwortham Town Manager Steve Caswell said: "With this Green Fortnight initiative, we're trying to get the whole town together because we realise that there is a climate change emergency and we can make a difference, even if it's only turning a light out when you leave a room.

"We can all do a little bit to try and cut down on our carbon footprint.

"All the little things help, and not only do they help tackle climate change, but they can help save you money too."

Due to rising inflation, energy bills are set to soar by 54 per cent for 22 million households from the beginning of April, adding £693 to the annual bills of a typical household.

Coupled with rising interest rates and council tax costs, concerns are growing that more and more people are being forced to choose between heating and eating.

>>>Click here for more on the rising costs of living in Lancashire.

The Town Council hope that the Green Fortnight will become an annual event.

Other ‘green’ initiatives they have committed to include reducing council staff’s need to travel by encouraging virtual meetings, reducing the use of single-use plastics, exploring the use of environmentally-friendly fuel for petrol-driven gardening tools, and exploring the possibility of using electric vehicles.

For more information on activities and eco initiatives, contact the town council on: http://penworthamtowncouncil.gov.uk/