South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership join new ‘Clean Air Lincolnshire’ project

Following a grant being awarded to Lincolnshire County by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership will work with the County Council to drive the new ‘Clean Air Lincolnshire’ project.

As part of the project, a public awareness campaign will be developed by the County Council in conjunction with the seven District Councils, including a new website which will be launched in Autumn 2023, providing useful information on the causes and impacts of air pollution and the actionable steps to take to improve local air quality and reduce health conditions related to air pollution.

Public Health England have reported that poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK and can cause spikes in cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, particularly in the young or vulnerable. Clean Air Lincolnshire will raise awareness of these issues and encourage action for cleaner air across the county.

Efforts will be made to involve local schools across the county in the project, using data from air quality monitoring equipment to educate students, staff and parents on the effects of local air pollution and how to reduce exposure and emissions. Using the data and local knowledge, school students will run campaigns during the 2023/24 school year, promoting active travel and anti-idling, to improve air quality around their schools.

In a joint statement, Boston Councillor Callum Butler, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Health, East Lindsey Councillor Martin Foster, Portfolio Holder for Operational Services and South Holland Councillor, Anthony Casson, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said: “This is a fantastic new initiative as we look to improve air quality in the sub-region and the wider county through both education and action to drive better health for our residents.”

Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Councillor for Economic Development, Environment and Planning, Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It is great news we have received funding from DEFRA to improve air quality in Lincolnshire. We are committed to tackling air pollution across the county and recognise cleaner air will be crucial to improve the health of our residents and young people”.