Gosport vows to 'grow its own' Christmas tree after 'short and stubby' jibe at damaged tree

A REAL Christmas tree could soon be growing in Gosport’s high street as part of plans to reduce the council’s carbon footprint.

Gosport Borough Council is investing in its climate change policies – planting trees, providing new electric car charging points and employing a dedicated climate change officer

Among the plans is having a real Christmas tree growing in the high street.

It comes after the council was criticised in December for having a ‘short and stubby’ tree. The authority later said it was replaced as it had been damaged in transit.

Short and stubby town christmas tree — Gosport’s damaged Christmas tree. It was erected in Gosport town centre before being taken down and replaced after complaints.

Council leader, Councillor Mark Hook, said: ‘Climate change is a concern for all of us and the council recognises that we all need to take action.

‘We’re committed to reducing our carbon emissions as an organisation and encouraging residents and businesses to play their part.

‘Measures to help tackle climate change are an important part of the council’s new budget.’

New electric car charging points are just one of Gosport Borough Council’s proposed plans to reduce its carbon footprint. Picture Fiona Callingham

Around £30,000 is being spent on helping residents plant 1,000 trees in 1,000 days – and £20,000 to install electric charging points in car parks.

Recycling is also high on the agenda with £25,000 set to be spent on a campaign to encourage more residents to recycle their waste .

Other proposals include the re-wilding of unused areas into wildflower meadows.

Leader of Gosport Borough Council, Cllr Mark Hook, said they are ‘committed to reducing carbon emissions’. Picture: Malcolm Wells

The strategies have been developed by the council’s climate change working group, which has been charged with the task of ensuring council planning policies reflect climate change requirements.

This includes improving energy efficiency, reducing car travel, encouraging cycling and walking and the increased use of green electricity.

Cllr Piers Bateman, who chairs the group, added: ‘Climate change will have a significant effect locally, nationally and globally and action is needed to reduce emissions, mitigate the effects and build resilience for the borough.

‘Residents, businesses and the council will all need to play their part.

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