Air quality concerns

Concerns are being expressed over the quality of air in some parts of Studley, Warwickshire, after Nitrogen Dioxide levels were found to be above those required by Government targets. Traffic pollution is suspected to be the main cause of the problem, so an air quality management scheme has been put in place by Stratford-on-Avon District Council.  

The scheme will monitor the quality of the air over the next year to gather evidence on the exact causes of the pollution. The results will then be used to help draw up a plan of action on improving the air quality in that area, which is the first 200 metres of the Alcester Road just south of the Barley Mow roundabout.  

"Air quality is an important issue, not just because of the health implications but for everyone who uses that area of Studley," said Cllr Simon Jackson, the District Council's Portfolio Holder for Environment.  

"We are going to assess what is causing these problems, though our monitoring results already gathered over a period of time leave me in little doubt that it is a traffic related issue.  

"Once we have the definitive results next year it is highly likely that we will be drawing up plans with the Highways Agency and Warwickshire County Council to deal with it.  

"Local residents and businesses are being kept informed about the whole process and also invited to public meetings so that we can address any of their concerns."  

The Government sets acceptable levels of pollution through its Air Quality Objectives. Only the small area identified in Studley out of the whole Stratford District has failed to meet the targets for Nitrogen Dioxide levels.