BASILDON councillors have agreed to implement a tree planting framework to better manage tree planting across the borough.

The framework consists of three key elements; identifying suitable sites for tree planting, selecting trees that are pollinator friendly, and installing signage to identify pollinator friendly habitats on council land.

The decision to support this was unanimously agreed by councillors during this week's Neighbourhoods and Public Spaces Committee.

Committee chairman Cllr David Harrison, said: "Trees are a major influencing factor in reducing the effects of climate change. It is important to ensure that the council continues to effectively manage the green and growing in the borough.

"This framework has been developed to provide a clear direction for our borough. It will make a positive contribution to the urban forest and will support the work we're doing with our Climate Change Programme and Pollinator Action Plan.

"The framework will mean that we increase the number of trees planted, as well as educating developers, other bodies, and community organisations to ensure this has as positive an impact on our environment as it can."