Joined-up strategy for air quality

A joint strategy to improve air quality for the benefit of all residents has been agreed by Herefordshire and Worcestershire councils.

The new joint strategy is supported by the Worcestershire Partnership and joins up information and advice on air quality, better enabling councils and central and regional Government agencies to work together on any issues.

High air pollution levels can cause acute and chronic health effects in people, especially young children and the elderly who suffer from heart and lung disease such as asthma and bronchitis. If an area is declared as an “Air Quality Management Area” Bromsgrove District Council is required to develop action plans to improve air quality in the area.

The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Pollution Group that developed the strategy is a sub-group of the Chief Environmental Health Officers Group, and includes transport planners and environmental health and scientific officers. The Group considers all strategic pollution matters ranging from industry to noise to contaminated land.

Bromsgrove District Council's Environmental Health Team Leader for Pollution & General said: “Bromsgrove District Council takes the issue of air quality very seriously and air quality problems know no boundaries, air pollution from vehicles being the principal issue.

“The strategy is an important step and shows what can be achieved when likeminded councils work in partnership. By working together we are more likely to influence national and regional policy on environmental issues like this.”