Views wanted for air quality consultation in Colne

The consultation relates to the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), which was declared in 2011 due to its high levels of nitrogen dioxide, mainly from road vehicle exhaust emissions, being higher than the annual national average.

The council regularly measures the air quality. It has improved within Colne’s AQMA and is likely to remain below harmful levels for the foreseeable future. But the council is considering revoking Colne’s AQMA and asking for comments before making a decision.

The designated area incorporates Windsor Street and Skipton Road, between the junction with Windsor Street/Byron Road and Temple/Oak Street.

Asjad Mahmood, council leader, said: “We have monitored nitrogen dioxide in Colne’s Air Quality Management Area from 2005, and the measurement data has been compared against the national target for the annual average.

“The air quality has not exceeded the national target since 2018.

“There was a large decrease in nitrogen dioxide in 2020. This was caused by a reduction in road traffic emissions during the COVID pandemic. Traffic increased in 2021, but nitrogen dioxide levels remain lower than the national standard.

“Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide have been below 90% of the annual average national standard for three years. This means we have the option to consider cancelling Colne’s Air Quality Management Area.”

If the decision is taken to revoke Colne’s AQMA, air quality will still be monitored and measurements will be reported on an annual basis within the Council’s Air Quality Status Report.

Councillor Zafar Ali added: “Nitrogen Dioxide is associated with adverse effects on human health and the environment.

“Looking at the results of monitoring the levels and under the most recent Local Air Quality Technical Guidance Document by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, we have now been given the option to cancel Colne’s Air Quality Management Area.

“It’s really important that everyone affected by the proposals take part in the consultation to ensure their views are considered.”

Pendle Borough Council would like your views on the proposed cancelling of the Air Quality Management Area in Colne and how it might affect you.

To give your feedback, you can call 01282 662009, email environmental.admin@pendle.gov.uk or write to: Housing and Environmental Health, Pendle Borough Council, Town Hall, Market Street, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 7LG.

The consultation is open until February 4.