MAJOR environmental improvements have taken place in and around Winsford and Middlewich over the past year, according to a new report.

'Cheshire's Check Up' is a countywide progress report from the Sustainable Cheshire Forum on the Local Agenda 21 campaign.

It summarises the environmental successes achieved in the county over the past year and highlights the main action areas and key tasks for 1998.

According to the report, the past year's significant improvements in Cheshire have included:

An increase of 5,000 tonnes in the amount of household waste being recycled, and the introduction of the green garden waste composting scheme.

A 13 per cent reduction in the amount of construction and demolition wastes going to landfill sites.

Reduced water consumption by domestic, industrial and agricultural users.

Overall reduction in emissions of nitrogen oxides in the air.

Improved protection for endangered species, wildlife and habitats.

Looking ahead, the report identifies transport and the control of waste as major, and increasing, problems which need to be tackled nationally, locally and by individuals.

Cty Clr Derek Bateman, chairman of Cheshire County Council's environment services committee, said he was pleased with the improvements already made in the county.

He said: "There can be no doubt that as a result of our Agenda 21 activities, everyone is now more aware of the problems and what needs to be done to safeguard the environment for future generations.

"Some things are both difficult and expensive to rectify, but what we can do is start with the remedies that everyone can contribute to.

"A good example of this is transport, with initiatives such as the TravelWise campaign, improving park and ride facilities and providing more cycle lanes."

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