A landmark move towards creating a greener borough came as the first of 1,000 new trees was planted in Feltham, yesterday (12).

With shovels in hand, councillor Sachin Gupta, Hounslow's cabinet member for public health and leisure, was joined by members of the Feltham History Group including Chronicle historian Eddie Menday, to plant the inaugural tree at Feltham Green.

The tree planting ceremony comes shortly after the anniversary of St Jude's storm when severe storms battered through west London and caused devastation in Hounslow in October last year.

By the end of the week a total of 25 trees including varieties of black poplar, crab apple and oak, will be grounded at Feltham Green, Stamford Brook Common and Bedfont Green.

Gradually, over the next four years the remaining 900 plus trees will be planted throughout the borough's parks, open spaces and highways.

Mr Gupta said: “The St Jude’s storm damaged or destroyed a number of trees in the borough and we are anxious not only to replace those lost but also to do much more to green the borough for residents. 

"In all we will plant over 1,000 trees in the next four years in our parks, open spaces and along our highways.

"I’m very grateful to the volunteers who braved the bad weather to help.”