South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa has welcomed the news that air quality in Blaby District has improved. Three areas which were declared air pollution hotspots ('Air Quality Management Areas') in Blaby, have recently recorded levels of nitrogen dioxide well below Government targets.
Narborough Road South, the B4114 in Enderby and Narborough and Enderby Road Whetstone may have their 'Air Quality Management Area' status revoked following the improved air quality measurements.
Conservative led Blaby District Council has been working with partners on a range on interventions to improve air quality, particularly on busy stretches of road. These have included encouraging car shares and use of bicycles as well as road infrastructure enhancements to encourage freer-flowing traffic and reduced congestion.
Alberto said:
"I know that Conservative led Blaby District Council have made it a priority to improve air quality in the area and I'm confident that with the measures they are taking we will continue to see improvements in air quality throughout the district. I look forward to the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment and Rural Affairs recognising the good work that Blaby District Council has done and agree to the recommendations of the report”.
Councillor Les Phillimore, Blaby District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community and Environmental Services, said:
"We are acutely aware of the health dangers posed by air pollution and the part it plays in the onset of heart disease and cancer. Nitrogen dioxide in particular is linked to respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
"We are committed to improving air quality across the District, especially in locations where our monitoring has found higher levels of air pollution than we would like. It’s great news we have seen improvements in some of our worst affected areas. We will continue our work with partners to act on poor air quality wherever it is needed."
