Fylde Council Moves Forward with New Air Quality Strategy to Safeguard Public Health and the Environment

Fylde Council has taken an essential step in its ongoing commitment to protect public health and preserve the local environment by advancing the adoption of a comprehensive Air Quality Strategy. The proposed strategy aligns with the national Air Quality Strategy Framework for Local Authority Delivery and is designed to address and mitigate potential air quality concerns across Fylde.

With a history of relatively low pollution levels compared to urban areas, Fylde Council has nevertheless recognised the importance of continuous improvement in air quality standards. The new strategy aims to reduce pollution from key sources, including road traffic, industry, agriculture, and residential heating, while establishing a clear structure for monitoring and responding to future air quality challenges.

Councillor Thomas Threlfall, Lead Member for Environment at Fylde Council, expressed his support for the initiative, noting, “Fylde’s new Air Quality Strategy demonstrates our dedication to protecting the well-being of our residents and enhancing our environment. Although our air quality levels currently fall well within safe limits, we are determined to take proactive steps to ensure that these standards are maintained and improved wherever possible.”

The Air Quality Strategy includes provisions for:

• Ongoing Air Quality Monitoring: Fylde Council operates 16 monitoring points throughout the borough, including locations near schools and busy roadways, to keep track of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and other pollutants. These sites are assessed monthly, providing essential data for the Council’s annual Air Quality Status Report.
• Health and Environmental Protection: By addressing pollutants that impact respiratory and cardiovascular health, the strategy aims to protect vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. It also focuses on environmental preservation, including local biodiversity, agricultural productivity, and the integrity of historic sites.
• Collaborative Compliance with National Standards: In alignment with UK Government requirements, the strategy upholds the Council’s duty to monitor and improve air quality in accordance with the Environment Act 1995, the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010, and the Clean Air Strategy 2019.

 

Given Fylde’s comparatively low levels of pollution, an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) is not currently necessary. However, the strategy provides a robust framework for action if pollution levels should rise. For the Council, this commitment goes beyond meeting statutory obligations; it is about making Fylde a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable place to live.

Councillor Threlfall concluded, “This strategy is not just a requirement; it’s an opportunity. We’re committed to putting the health of our community and the quality of our local environment at the forefront of everything we do. Through this strategy, Fylde Council is investing in a cleaner future for generations to come.”

The draft Air Quality Strategy will be considered by the Executive Committee, with plans to publish the finalised document on the Council’s website, ensuring transparency and accessibility for the community.