Councils are beginning to take notice of poor air quality in the region and develop a plan to improve the quality of the air where it matters.
Residents of Warwick District Council (WDC)are being asked for their views on improving air quality in the district. It has launched a consultation on its draft Air Quality Action Plan for the next five years.
In recent article the plan, produced as part of the council’s statutory duties, outlines the action WDC will take to improve air quality in the district. The draft action plan suggests four priorities for the council to focus on for improving air quality, including working with other organisations such as Warwickshire County Council to increase active travel, the use of public transport and the use of low and zero emission vehicles.
It was reported that Cllr Jim Sinnott, WDC spokesman for safer, healthier and active communities, believes that air pollution is an unseen issue that is associated with a number of adverse health impacts, such as heart disease and cancer. He is of the view that everyone is responsible for the air we breathe, and hence we should be doing all we can to improve the district’s air quality by choosing active travel where possible.
He is prepared to hear everyone’s views on this draft plan to ensure that the plan is focussed on the right priorities, so he is inviting the residents to take a look at the draft plan and give him their thoughts.”
The consultation runs until June 16. Residents, business owners and anyone interested in improving the air quality in Warwick district can view the draft action plan, and complete the survey at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/AQAP
Paper copies are also available at the Council’s customer service hub in the Pump Rooms, open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Professor Reza Ziarati Chair – Central England Air Quality People’s Chamber