Air quality in Sandy is cause for concern

They are taking action to reduce predicted raised pollution levels in parts of the town.

The council’s regular air quality monitoring across the region showed that levels of nitrogen dioxide in the outskirts of Sandy will exceed national guidelines if action is not taken.

Councillor Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Community Services, said: “We regularly monitor air quality levels across Central Bedfordshire and compare them to national averages, and it is rare to have any cause for concern.

“However, our predictions are that nitrogen dioxide levels will exceed national guidelines which is why we are acting now to help reduce them before there are any problems.

“We have already consulted residents before creating the air quality management areas and we will be seeking public feedback on our action plans too before they come into force.”

Air quality management areas have now been declared along the A1 from the Georgetown exit to Bedford Road in Sandy.

This will allow the council to develop action plans in an attempt to reduce pollution levels.

The action plans will be developed in liaison with other agencies and stakeholders and will then go out to public consultation before the final plans are introduced.

The air quality management zones will remain in place until the raised levels of nitrogen dioxide, caused by traffic congestion, are reduced.

Generally if you are young and in a good state of health, moderate air pollution levels are unlikely to have any serious short term effects.

However, elevated levels and/or long term exposure to air pollution can lead to more serious symptoms and conditions affecting human health.

This mainly affects the respiratory and inflammatory systems, but can also lead to more serious conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

People with lung or heart conditions may be more susceptible to the effects of air pollution.

In general the air quality in Central Bedfordshire meets the Air Quality Objective levels set by the Government.

For more information about air quality monitoring, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/pollution