A TOTAL of 70 trees are to be planted in a bid to turn Warrington's most prominent roads into tree-lined boulevards.

Tree types including Oak, Silver Birch, Turkish Hazel, Silver Limes, Norway Maple and Horse Chestnuts will be used to lend a European flavour to important routes into the town.

Among the sites earmarked are Manchester Road at its junction with Parkway, Widnes Road close to the junction with Tannery Lane and Golborne Road near the Hermit Inn. Penketh Road at the Sankey Way roundabout and Liverpool Road, opposite the Butchers Arms, will also benefit.

The council hopes the green scheme will create new homes for wildlife, produce cleaner air and impress visitors.

Clr Joan Harpin, chairwoman of the Mersey Forest Working Party, said: "I welcome any initiative which will help improve the environment. These trees will bring benefits for future generations to enjoy."

Forestry Officer Paul Bullimore added: "Our commitment to the Mersey Forest is not only planting and maintaining woodlands but also looking after all our trees.

"Highway trees are very visible and help clean the air, make roads more attractive and provide homes for wildlife."

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