Shropshire Council grant for improvements is a breath of fresh air
Shrewsbury is set to benefit from more than £3 million of government funding which has been awarded to 28 projects to improve air quality across England.
The money, from the government’s Air Quality Grant, supports schemes which help councils develop and implement measures to benefit communities.
Shropshire Council has been awarded £53,300 for the testing of low cost Zephyr monitors and the development of an air pollution map.
Over £57 million has been awarded through the Air Quality Grant since it was launched in 1997.
Environment minister Thérèse Coffey said: “While we know air pollution has reduced significantly in recent decades, it is still the top environmental risk to health in the UK. Today’s funding demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting the local momentum needed to continue to improve our air now and for future generations.
“Local authorities are best placed to introduce systems that work best for their areas, which is why we are working closely with them to ensure they have the appropriate funding and support.”
Transport minister Jesse Norman said: “It is very important that we continue to improve the quality of our air, and the Government is working hard to deliver the emissions reductions the UK needs.
“Local schemes are an essential part of this process. The £57 million we've awarded under the Air Quality Grant will go to make communities greener and more vibrant places to live.”
The Air Quality Grant sits alongside the government’s £3.5 billion plan to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions, and the Clean Air Strategy which was published earlier this year and sets out action to tackle air pollution from a range of sources.
