Chorlton has received the good news that more than £200,000 in National Lottery funding is going to The Chorlton Climate Action Partnership to work with communities across the city to take action and tackle climate change.

The grant from The National Lottery Community Fund will see The Chorlton Climate Action Partnership formed, led by Walk Ride Greater Manchester alongside local charity Groundwork Greater Manchester. The partnership aims to help Chorlton reduce its carbon emissions, have cleaner air and increase the use and accessibility of sustainable transport.

Across Greater Manchester the second largest source of carbon emissions is transport, but the average car journey in the city region is just 5km. The project will see WalkRideGM and Groundwork GM work with local community groups to help convert these short journeys into 20-minute bike rides. Today’s announcement follows Groundwork UK publishing its new three-year strategy earlier this month, aiming to mobilise 75,000 days of voluntary action to address the climate emergency.

With the Chorlton Cycleway due to be finished next year, this new partnership and local activity will complement work already happening in the area, all aiming to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. The project will not only help the local environment, but will also see additional community benefits, including new employment opportunities and cleaner and safer travel around the city region for people and families.

Claire Stocks, Walk Ride Greater Manchester co-founder and Chorlton resident, said:

“Making it safer and easier to walk around Chorlton has become an even bigger priority for our community since Covid19 – especially for people to get to our brilliant local shops or other amenities, and, from September, for children to be able to walk or cycle to school. The National Lottery funding will enable our community to work with three fantastic expert partners to design solutions to our traffic problems – which will mean big benefits for our community, but also our planet.”

Michaela Howell, Head of Communities, Groundwork GM, said:

“Through the Climate Action Fund grant, we’re looking forward to working with people who live and work in Chorlton, building a greener, healthier Chorlton with them by drawing on our successful track record in engaging communities in improving and greening neighbourhoods and using nature based solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change.”

Eve Holt, Chorlton councillor, said:

“This is just the catalyst we need as we seek to #BuildBackBetter for all in Chorlton, rethinking the way we live, work and get around. This National Lottery funding enables us to unlock the potential for sustained change by building a strong, inclusive partnership between residents, traders, schools, community and faith groups, the council and the health sector. Together, we will co-design the way forward, stepping up to our responsibility to protect the planet, and to realise our shared vision of a greener, safer, fairer and more connected place, where people of all ages and backgrounds can live healthy, active lives.”

Jeff Smith, the Labour MP for Manchester Withington, said:

“I know how passionate many Chorlton residents and community groups are about protecting our environment, so I’m pleased to see the Chorlton Climate Action Partnership become a reality. As we rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic, it’s vital that we prioritise a green recovery which meets our climate objectives and supports employment and sustainable growth. This project is a great example of how that can be done at the local level, promoting healthier and greener ways of travelling and improving air quality while supporting local businesses and creating jobs. Congratulations to everyone involved in putting together the successful bid.”