Air your views on ambitious draft air quality improvements

Article date: 22 December 2023

The draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) 2024-2029 sets out a range of proposals and current projects that would contribute to cleaner air in four key locations identified as Air Quality Management Areas - where pollutants are concentrated - but benefiting the wider borough as well.

The draft plan details 26 projects focused on air quality as well as wider regeneration and development schemes. View the full list of proposals.

Air pollution is associated with a number of adverse health impacts and is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancers. It more commonly affects the most vulnerable in communities, including children and older people, and those with heart and lung conditions.

Councillor Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Economy, Business and Skills, said:

"The vast majority of the borough already has good air quality, and in recent years we've seen a slow downward trend in nitrogen oxide (NO2) levels, apparent from our continual monitoring.

"Much work has been undertaken in recent years to solidify this position, targeting transport pollutants and more broadly the intensifying changes in our climate.

"Ultimately each of us is responsible for our own impact on the environment, but there are a range of ambitious opportunities we are exploring and delivering to improve air quality that will have a greater positive impact on our borough, the resilience and connectivity of our communities, as well as our physical health and mental wellbeing. I'd encourage all residents to share their views on these proposals."

The online consultation is now live at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WEO68F/.

Paper copies of the action plan and consultation will be available in libraries and leisure centres from Monday 8 January.

The consultation closes on Friday 2 February.