RESIDENTS, schools and businesses are being urged to get in touch with a group planning to make Trowbridge a greener place to live.

Invest in Trowbridge wants to plant 1,350 trees all over the town and is looking for places to put them.

It is urging people to get in touch now so that planting can begin on Saturday, March 7.

Kez Garner, who helped to found Invest in Trowbridge, said: “We have been given 950 trees free of charge by a charity called TCV, which works with people to create healthier and happier communities.

“They were given the trees by OVO Energy, which is seeking to offset its carbon footprint.

“We are now looking to involve the local community by asking them to find spaces where we can plant the trees.

“We are offering them to residents, schools, community groups and businesses and asking them to get in touch.”

Invest in Trowbridge is an action group with 25 members comprising individuals, businesses, Trowbridge Environmental Community and Trowbridge in Bloom.

Other members include the Innox Mills developer, and local art galleries such as the Court Street Gallery and Bridge House Gallery in Stallard Street.

Matthew Callaway, 26, of Trowbridge Environmental Community, said they have a further 400 trees to make up the 1,350 total to plant.

“We have 16 different species available, including oak, beech, birch, hawthorn, hazel, blackthorn, alder, cherry, rowan, willow, dogwood, hornbeam and crab apple.

“Already, we have been approached by the Walwayne Court Primary School and the John Of Gaunt School, which are very keen to plant some of the trees in their wild garden areas.”

Cllr Chris Hoar, a Trowbridge town councillor, has also urged his colleagues to walk around their wards and find spaces to plant the trees.

Invest in Trowbridge is also talking to Wiltshire Council about the possibility of planting some of the saplings in parks and on roadside verges.

Anyone wishing to plant some of the trees should contact Mr Callaway at trowbridgeeco@gmail.com as soon as possible.