19 October 2009, 09/241
Have your say on ways to reduce air pollution in
Ormskirk
Residents can put forward ideas on how to reduce air pollution
in a busy part of Ormskirk.
A review of the air quality in Ormskirk carried out by West
Lancashire Borough Council together with Bureau Veritas
Consultants, has concluded that an area around Moor Street and
Stanley Street is exceeding the national air quality guideline
level for Nitrogen Dioxide - a gas that is present in vehicle
exhaust fumes.
Over-exposure to air pollution can be a health risk, so under
the 1995 Environment Act, the Council has a statutory duty to
combat this and take action to improve the air quality in this
area.
To ensure the continued health and safety of residents and the
environment, a draft outline has been drawn for where an Air
Quality Management Area should be introduced. This is an area
defined by higher levels of pollution.
Residents directly affected by the proposal have received
letters from the Council and we will be meeting with them to talk
about a way forward.
The Council is also launching a consultation from 22 October and
wants the views of the local community on whether they think the
Air Quality Management Area should be wider and ideas for how to
improve the air quality? Residents have until 19 November to send
comments.
Councillor Andrew Fowler, Portfolio Holder for Community
Services and Health, said: “The health of our residents is of the
utmost important to us, so assessing our air quality is vital to
make sure that people are not at risk from air pollution. Now that
we have identified that there is a problem in the Moor Street and
Stanley Street area we will be working with residents and our other
key partners in order to improve the quality of air for local
residents.”
A Steering Group will also be set up to look at ways of
improving air quality in this area, which will include Council
officers and members, directly affected residents, Lancashire
County Council, representatives of local bus companies and health
officials.
Find more information and give your views by
visiting the Ormskirk's Air Quality Management
Area page.
Once the Air Quality Management Area has been agreed an action
plan will be submitted to the Department of Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs.
Related information