Environment watchdog closes as council "consults" on local pollution

5.47.00pm GMT Mon 25th Feb 2008

Lib Dem want real action to cut air pollution

Chelmsford Environment Partnership (CEP) is to close after 10 years but held its last public meeting about the Borough council's "action plan" to reduce pollution around the Army & Navy roundabout. Comments on the action plan have to be in by 29th February. See www.chelmsford.gov.uk/airquality

Having attended the meeting, local Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson said, "It is ironic that CEP should close just when the need for it is clearer than ever. They have been let down by lack of support over the last four years by the Borough council. This inaction by the Conservative-run authority demonstrates more clearly than their warm words what they really think about the environment.

"In 2005 the Borough Council was forced, by an EU law, to declare the area around the Army & Navy an 'Air Quality Management Area', because of the high pollution levels. Only now, nearly three years on, are they consulting the public on an Action Plan. I urge people to make their comments.

"It is important that we take real and substantial action to tackle the root causes of pollution and other negative impacts on the local environment. Warm words from the Conservatives, while they charge ahead with their house and road building plans, are not enough."

Stephen Robinson

Chelmsford Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate

NB The 'Air Quality Management Area' includes Baddow Road, the western end of Meadgate Avenue, Van Dieman's Road / Princes Road, Parkway and southern end of Chelmer Road. See the website for exact location: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/airquality