Government Cash To Fund New Air Pollution Monitoring Across Harborough

New monitoring of air pollution caused by the burning of solid fuels is to take place across Harborough.

The District Council will use government funding to carry it out and in-turn raise awareness of its potential impact on health., after a successful joint-bid with North West Leicestershire Council for £27,000.

The move is aimed at improving knowledge of ‘particulate matter’ – the term for solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air – through the burning of solid fuel from things like wood stoves, which is more common in rural areas.

Cllr Jonathan Bateman, the Council’s Cabinet lead on air quality, said: “We know there is increasing public concern about particles in the air which can be inhaled, and we intend to use this funding to find out more about local levels, and encourage people to consider how they can help reduce it.

“Exposure to particulates can result in health issues, especially in vulnerable groups, such as the young, elderly and those with respiratory problems. This is a significant step in the right direction to tackling this issue now.”

The funding, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Air Quality Grant Programme, will cover the cost of purchasing monitoring equipment.