Air quality improves in areas of Charnwood that had high levels of pollution

Air quality has improved in four closely monitored Charnwood areas that previously had high levels of pollution.

The areas in Charnwood are Loughborough Market Place, the Great Central Railway, Mountsorrel Quarry and around Melton Road in Syston.

The four zones were designated as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) by the borough council but pollution levels have now dropped to within legal limits.

Cllr Beverley Gray, the Council’s lead member for climate action and net zero, said: “It is pleasing to hear that the air quality in these four monitored areas has improved over the years and that, as a result, DEFRA have instructed that the Air Quality Management Areas must be revoked.

“It is very important to stress, that this does not mean we will no longer be monitoring these areas, it just means that the air quality has improved and there is no longer a legal imperative to monitor them.

“In order to ensure that the progress on reducing pollution is maintained,  we are going to be developing an air quality strategy for the whole borough. We will be holding a consultation later this year and seeking views from the community. The aim will be to develop a strategy that helps make air cleaner across Charnwood.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has now told the council they can no longer be classed as AQMAs as air quality has improved and therefore they must be revoked.