A LOCAL authority boss has been quizzed on its Climate Emergency Action Plan.

The Blackburn with Darwen Council blueprint proposes to plant another 10,000 trees, restore two peatlands and deploy 11 new electric vehicles as part of it plans to combat global warming.

The update on the strategy from deputy leader Cllr Quesir Mahmood was debated by the borough's executive board on Thursday.

It highlights plans to help the authority become carbon neutral by 2030.

The council has a dedicated £300,000 budget for the 'green' drive in 2023/24.

It highlights priorities for the coming year including:

* developing a woodland strategy for the borough and finding sites for planting another 10,000 trees;

* restoring peatlands at Darwen Moor and Aushaw Moss;

• implementing a programme of energy efficiency measures in low income homes;

• operating 11 electric council fleet vehicles from October;

• implementing an extensive upgrade to the active travel network in South-East Blackburn;

• creating a Low Carbon Business Support and Innovation Programme; and

• bidding for government cash to improve the energy efficiency of council buildings.

The council's Tory group leader Cllr John Slater asked Cllr Mahmood: "Do you think this is strong enough?

"Is it going quite far enough?

"Should we be doing more?"

Cllr Mahmood replied: "I think it is quite a robust plan."