Fenland ask residents to suggest locations for air quality monitoring

Fenland District Council have invited residents to get involved in air quality testing in the county by suggesting sites that they feel should be monitored.

The Council already undertakes ongoing testing to ensure the air in the district continues to remain compliant with national air quality objectives but are also keen to engage the public in the process.

Residents are invited to suggest sites where they feel they are regularly exposured to traffic pollution to help ensure testing is being carried out at the most at-risk areas and any issues are highlighted and can be tackled.

Cllr Sue Wallwork, portfolio holder for environmental health, said: ‘Ensuring the cleanliness of the air we breathe in Fenland is a huge priority for the council.

‘We’re delighted that most recent analysis shows air quality remains compliant with national air quality objectives and obviously the ambition is for continuous improvement.

‘We select testing sites to ensure close scrutiny of potential problem areas and we’re asking for the public to use their local knowledge to give us additional information to help us chose the monitoring sites for the coming year.’

The council currently monitors 41 locations with Nitrogen Dioxide diffusion tubes.

An additional air quality sensor has been installed in Whittlesey to support monitoring there where there have been local concerns due in part to the impact of new major housing developments, haulage yards and industrial processes.

Fenland District Council continues to work closely with consultees for permit and planning applications of air quality significance for developments including road improvements and housing developments.

Ongoing programmes in partnership with other local authorities and organisations to help improve air quality in Fenland further include:

Changes to road layouts in March (the town, not the month) which is intended to improve traffic flow and reduce pollution

The planting of 4,000 tree, financed by the Forestry Commission’s Local Authorities Treescapes Fund.

Work to support residents with energy efficient home improvements including via the Action on Energy scheme

Work with taxi operators through anti-idling campaigns.